New Baby Growth Charts to account for breastfeeding

May 6, 2009 by Baby Chums
Filed under: Baby Health, News

Child growth charts which are based on 1990 formula-fed baby data are to be redrawn in an effort to tackle obesity and increase breastfeeding rates. The new charts will follow data from the World Health Organisation, (WHO).

Guidelines suggest mothers should give their babies breast milk for the first six months of life and then supplement that with food for a further six months. Formula fed babies are known to have accelerated growth in the early stages.

Dr Sheila Shribman, the government’s maternity head, said: “Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for infants.

“The new 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.”

And Professor Charlotte Wright, of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, which helped design the charts, added: “In retrospect, I think health staff realise we have probably been worrying some mothers unnecessarily about their baby’s weight.”

They will be used on all new babies from 11 May with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland expected to adopt them in the coming months.

In England, eight in 10 mothers start breastfeeding but only 22% carry it on until six months. The rates are much lower than other European countries.