ABSTRACT
For anthropometry to be valid, it is necessary that the data are collected in a proper way and the recommended measurement technique is followed. The child’s accurate age is required and any error in recording or interpreting child’s age makes the whole process of anthropometry fruitless. In communities, it is common to state the age as the year of life the child has now entered. For example, if the child has completed 5 years of age in September 2007, parents might start telling his/her age as 6 years from as early as October 2007. If possible, the exact date of birth of the child should be asked or examined from a document (such as birth certificate or horoscope) and the exact age on the day of measurement should be calculated by the evaluator him/herself and measured to the nearest month. If dates cannot be recalled, use of a local calendar or recollection of important events may assist mothers in recalling the date of birth.
