Menu
06/05/2009
UK Adopts New Growth Charts Based On Breast-Fed Babies
All newborn babies and children up to four years old will have their growth measurements plotted on new charts from this week.
The launch of the charts, which have been developed for the Department of Health by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, based on the World Health Organisation's work, coincides with National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (10 - 16 May) and replaces current measures which are based predominately on babies fed with formula milk.
Research shows that breast-fed babies tend to gain weight at a healthier pace and are less likely to become obese in later life. The new charts will play an important role in establishing breastfeeding as the norm and will be included in the Personal Child Health Records, which parents of every newborn are given.
They will help parents and healthcare professionals identify children at early risk of obesity and provide important reassurance for parents of breast-fed babies, who are likely to gain weight more slowly.
The new charts include parent-friendly instructions and a chart specifically for premature babies. As babies can lose and gain weight at different rates during birth and two weeks, it is recommended that they are not measured during this time. The charts also help make more reliable predictions of a child's adult height.
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."
(JM/BMcc)
The launch of the charts, which have been developed for the Department of Health by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, based on the World Health Organisation's work, coincides with National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (10 - 16 May) and replaces current measures which are based predominately on babies fed with formula milk.
Research shows that breast-fed babies tend to gain weight at a healthier pace and are less likely to become obese in later life. The new charts will play an important role in establishing breastfeeding as the norm and will be included in the Personal Child Health Records, which parents of every newborn are given.
They will help parents and healthcare professionals identify children at early risk of obesity and provide important reassurance for parents of breast-fed babies, who are likely to gain weight more slowly.
The new charts include parent-friendly instructions and a chart specifically for premature babies. As babies can lose and gain weight at different rates during birth and two weeks, it is recommended that they are not measured during this time. The charts also help make more reliable predictions of a child's adult height.
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."
(JM/BMcc)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 May 2003
National breastfeeding week launched
Following the latest World Health Organisation guidance, the Department of Health has issued a new recommendation to support women breastfeeding, as part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week which runs from 11-17 May. The new recommendation states that breastfeeding is the "best form of nutrition for infants".
National breastfeeding week launched
Following the latest World Health Organisation guidance, the Department of Health has issued a new recommendation to support women breastfeeding, as part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week which runs from 11-17 May. The new recommendation states that breastfeeding is the "best form of nutrition for infants".
05 December 2012
Survival Rates Of Premature Babies Increase
More babies born before 26 weeks are surviving, according to a detailed analysis of the figures for England. Severely premature babies were more likely to survive in 2006 than in 1995, the EPICure study found. There was, however, no improvement before 24 weeks - which is the legal limit for abortion.
Survival Rates Of Premature Babies Increase
More babies born before 26 weeks are surviving, according to a detailed analysis of the figures for England. Severely premature babies were more likely to survive in 2006 than in 1995, the EPICure study found. There was, however, no improvement before 24 weeks - which is the legal limit for abortion.
02 August 2004
Breastfeeding holds key to saving lives of 1.3m babies: Unicef
If more infants worldwide are given only mother’s milk and no food or formula until the age of six months, at least 1.3 million lives could be saved this year, the UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) has said.
Breastfeeding holds key to saving lives of 1.3m babies: Unicef
If more infants worldwide are given only mother’s milk and no food or formula until the age of six months, at least 1.3 million lives could be saved this year, the UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) has said.
01 September 2015
Meningitis B Vaccinations For Newborn Babies Begins Across UK
A new programme is underway to vaccinate all newborn babies against meningitis B in the UK. It is understood the scheme, which begins today 1 September, is the first of its kind in the world. Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12 to 13 months of age.
Meningitis B Vaccinations For Newborn Babies Begins Across UK
A new programme is underway to vaccinate all newborn babies against meningitis B in the UK. It is understood the scheme, which begins today 1 September, is the first of its kind in the world. Babies will be offered the MenB vaccine with other routine vaccinations at two months, four months and 12 to 13 months of age.
05 January 2015
Babies To Be Tested For Rare Conditions
All babies born in England from today, 5 January, will be offered screening for more rare conditions, according to Public Health England (PHE). The screening is to prevent premature disability and death.
Babies To Be Tested For Rare Conditions
All babies born in England from today, 5 January, will be offered screening for more rare conditions, according to Public Health England (PHE). The screening is to prevent premature disability and death.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Sunny intervals and scattered showers in the afternoon, these could be heavy at times. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Remaining cloudy with a few showers continuing through the evening. Some drier, clearer spells in the early hours, before cloud builds and showers turn more persistent towards dawn. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
