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At what age does a child's head circumference typically become smaller than their chest circumference?

  1. 3 months

  2. 9 months

  3. 15 months

  4. 30 months

The correct answer is: 30 months

The age at which a child's head circumference typically becomes smaller than their chest circumference is around 30 months. During the early stages of growth, particularly in infancy, the head grows significantly in proportion to the body. This growth rate of the head circumference is faster than that of the chest circumference during the first year of life. By the time a child reaches 30 months, the growth patterns begin to shift, and the chest circumference gains relative size compared to the head circumference. This developmental milestone reflects the overall growth and maturation of the child as they transition from infancy to early childhood. Understanding these growth patterns is essential for assessing normal development in pediatric patients.