GUIDE
The best growth tracker depends on your needs: tinylog offers WHO + Fenton charts with AI insights, Huckleberry provides solid growth logging, and Baby Tracker by Nighp covers the basics for free.
Growth tracking is one of those things that sounds simple — log a weight, see a chart — but the details matter. Which growth chart does the app use? Can you track length and head circumference too? Can your pediatrician see the data? We compared the top options.
We're the tinylog team. We're including our app in this comparison because we believe it does growth tracking well — but we're committed to being honest about every option. Your baby's growth is too important for biased recommendations. Pick whatever works best for you.
| App | Price | Charts | Measurements | Key Features | Data Sharing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| tinylog | Free core + Premium | WHO + Fenton (preemie) charts with percentile overlays | Weight, length, head circumference | Percentile calculation, trend visualization, AI insights, preemie-specific charts | Exportable data and charts | Parents who want medical-grade charts, especially preemie parents |
| Huckleberry | Free + Premium ~$10/month | Basic growth chart | Weight, length, head circumference | Growth logging alongside sleep and feed tracking, SweetSpot nap predictor | Data export available | Parents focused on sleep who also want growth tracking |
| Baby Tracker (Nighp) | Free (ad-supported) + Pro | Basic growth chart with percentiles | Weight, length, head circumference | Simple logging, percentile reference, part of comprehensive baby tracker | CSV export | Parents who want basic free growth tracking |
| Glow Baby | Free + Premium | Growth chart with milestone integration | Weight, length, head circumference | Growth percentiles, community features, article content | In-app sharing | Parents who want community features alongside tracking |
| Sprout Baby | One-time purchase ~$5 | WHO-based growth charts | Weight, length, head circumference | Clean design, milestone tracking, growth charts | PDF export | Parents who prefer one-time purchase over subscription |
Not all growth tracking features are created equal. Here's what to look for:
The WHO growth standards are recommended for babies 0-2 years. CDC charts are for ages 2+. Fenton charts are essential for preemie babies. Check what chart your app uses — it directly affects the percentile number you see. An app using CDC charts for an infant can give a different (and potentially misleading) percentile than one using WHO charts.
Weight gets the most attention, but length and head circumference matter too. The best growth trackers let you log and visualize all three. Head circumference is especially important in the first year as it tracks brain development.
Logging numbers is useful. Seeing them plotted on a growth chart with percentile lines is much more useful. The trend over time — not any single data point — is what matters for assessing growth. Look for apps that visualize the curve, not just list the numbers.
The most useful feature of a growth tracker is being able to bring data to your doctor. Whether it's a PDF export, a screenshot of the growth chart, or a data file — make sure you can get the information out of the app when you need it.
If your baby was born before 37 weeks, standard WHO charts don't tell the full story. Fenton growth charts are the NICU standard for plotting preterm infant growth. Very few apps include them — if your baby is a preemie, this feature matters a lot.
Logging your baby's weight as "14 lbs 3 oz" is helpful. Seeing that weight plotted on a WHO growth chart at the 45th percentile, with a line showing how they've tracked from the 40th to the 45th over the past four months — that's informative.
Growth charts give context. They show you whether your baby's weight gain is accelerating, steady, or slowing. They show whether weight, length, and head circumference are growing proportionally. They show the trend — which is what your pediatrician actually cares about.
When evaluating growth tracker apps, prioritize ones that visualize the data on real growth charts. A list of numbers in a spreadsheet is data. A plotted growth curve is information.
For more on what growth charts mean and how to read them, see our growth percentiles guide or try our free online growth chart plotter.
tinylog is one of the only baby trackers that includes both WHO growth charts (for term babies) and Fenton charts (for preemies). Log weight, length, and head circumference, see percentiles instantly, and track the trend over time.
If your baby was born prematurely, growth tracking takes on extra importance — and most apps aren't well-equipped for it. Standard WHO charts are designed for term babies and can make a preemie look concerning when they're actually growing appropriately for their gestational age.
Fenton growth charts are the NICU standard for tracking preterm infant growth. They plot by gestational age rather than chronological age, giving a more accurate picture of how your preemie is growing. Very few consumer apps include Fenton charts — it's worth checking if this matters for your family.
For more on preemie-specific considerations, see our best baby tracker for preemies guide.
For the most detailed growth charts including preemie support: tinylog (that's us — WHO + Fenton charts, percentile overlays, AI insights).
For growth tracking as part of sleep optimization: Huckleberry (SweetSpot predictor is genuinely useful, growth tracking is solid).
For free, basic growth tracking: Baby Tracker by Nighp (does the job without a subscription).
For one-time purchase: Sprout Baby (clean design, no recurring cost).
The best app is the one you'll actually use consistently. Growth tracking only works if you log measurements regularly — so pick the app that makes logging easy and fits your routine.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your baby's growth, please consult your pediatrician.
