Government launches new growth charts for babies

New charts which monitor the growth of babies and children up to the age of four have been launched by the government this week. The charts have been developed for the Department of Health by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and are based on work done by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Launched as part of National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, the new charts are based on the measurements of breastfed babies.

It is hoped that the charts will help to make parents more aware that babies who are breastfed tend to gain weight at a healthier pace than those who are fed formula milk.

They will include instructions for parents and advice about when babies should be weighed.

Dr Sheila Shribman, national clinical director for children, young people and maternity at the Department of Health, said: "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."