What is the most important indicator of an infant's nutritional status?

Weight is considered the most important indicator of an infant's nutritional status because it directly reflects the balance between nutrient intake and energy expenditure. In infants, weight gain is a critical marker of growth and development, and it allows healthcare providers to assess whether the infant is receiving adequate nutrition.

Regular monitoring of weight can help identify changes in nutritional status over time, such as failure to thrive or over-nutrition, and may prompt further evaluation and intervention if necessary.

While height, head circumference, and skinfold thickness are also valuable measurements in assessing a child's growth and body composition, weight is typically prioritized in clinical settings due to its immediate relevance to nutritional adequacy. For example, rapid weight loss or inadequate weight gain can indicate malnutrition, necessitating prompt attention. In contrast, height and head circumference provide context for growth trends but are not as immediate in indicating nutrition status as weight.