New growth charts based on breast-fed babies start this week

Starting this week, all newborn babies and children up to the age of four will have their growth measurements recorded on new charts developed by the World Health Organisation and UK.

Currently, babies weight and height measurements are entered on growth charts in their Personal Child Health Records (the 'red book') which parents are given at the birth of their child. The lines on the growth charts (centiles) show the 'normal' range of expected weight and height for babies and children at different ages. Health visitors use them to help. for example, identify babies who may not be gaining weight at the expected rate.

Until now, centile lines in the UK growth charts were drawn up using average weight and height measurements collected from babies fed with formula milk. The new UK-WHO growth charts are based on measuremants taken from breastfed babies and whose mothers didn't smoke. They are meant to give a more accuarte picture of how healthy children are expected to grow. The Department of Health also hopes the new charts will help identify children at risk of becoming obese, whilst reassuring breast-feeding mothers whoose babies gain weight more slowly.

Dr Sheila Shribman, National Clinical Director for Children, Young People and Maternity at the Department of Health said,

"Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for infants. It gives health benefits for both the baby and the mother - even after they are no longer breastfeeding. It protects against stomach bugs and chest infections, provides perfect nutrition for the first six months, and reduces the likelihood of becoming obese in later childhood.

"The new UK-WHO growth charts will not only provide more accurate measurements for infant growth of breastfed babies, but will also help healthcare professionals and parents to identify early signs of overweight or obesity and provide support."

The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months (26 weeks) of an infant's life, as breast milk provides all the nutrients a baby needs at this time. Breastfeeding (and/or breastmilk substitutes, if used) should continue beyond the first six months along with appropriate types and amounts of solid foods.

Research has found that breastmilk helps protect babies from infection and diseases such as gastro-intestinal infections, ear infections, urine infections, eczema and obesity in later childhood. Breastfeeding also provides health benefits for mothers. It can help them to return to pre-pregnancy weight and can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer and breast cancer later in life.

More information

The charts can be viewed at The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health www.rcpch.ac.uk

Learn more about breastfeeding www.breastfeeding.nhs.uk

National Breastfeeding Helpline tel. 0300 100 0212

This article was published on Wed 6 May 2009