Which position is used to obtain accurate length measurements in a 14-month-old child?

• A. Side-lying
• B. Prone recumbent
• C. Supine recumbent
• D. Standing

Answer: (B)

The essential idea is measuring recumbent length, which means getting the child to lie flat so the body can be measured in a straight line. For a 14‑month‑old, length is best obtained with the child on their back on a length board (supine position). This neutral, full-extension posture keeps the spine aligned and the limbs straight, preventing bending or rounding that would shorten or lengthen the measurement. The head is positioned so the gaze is forward and the body rests in a straight line, with knees extended and heels against the footboard. This approach provides an accurate, comparable measurement of true length. Standing height isn’t used at this age because the child isn’t reliably able to stand still or upright yet; standing measurements are used later when the child can stand unaided.