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Baby growth charts to be assessed Baby growth chart switch closer
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The Department of Health is to launch a pilot study to assess the feasibility of adopting new charts to track child growth in England. New child growth charts which reflect the slower weight gain associated with breastfeeding could be soon be adopted in England.
Current UK growth charts are based on predominantly formula-fed babies. Current UK growth charts are based on predominantly formula-fed babies, which tend to grow more quickly.
The new World Health Organization charts focus on babies who were breastfed, and grow more slowly. The new charts have been drawn up by the World Health Organization.
They have been backed in a new report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. They have been backed in a report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
It is hoped that adopting the new standards could stop breastfeeding mothers being worried about their babies apparently failing to put on weight fast enough.It is hoped that adopting the new standards could stop breastfeeding mothers being worried about their babies apparently failing to put on weight fast enough.
These new standards will help alleviate mothers' concerns regarding the difference in growth patterns often observed between breastfed and formula-fed babies Dawn PrimaroloPublic Health MinisterThese new standards will help alleviate mothers' concerns regarding the difference in growth patterns often observed between breastfed and formula-fed babies Dawn PrimaroloPublic Health Minister
The report recommends that the WHO charts are used for babies aged two weeks to 24 months. The expert report recommends that the WHO charts are used for babies aged two weeks to 24 months.
Although the charts are based on breastfed babies, they are designed to assess and monitor the growth of all babies.Although the charts are based on breastfed babies, they are designed to assess and monitor the growth of all babies.
Most experts agree that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies and the Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to the age of six months.Most experts agree that breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies and the Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to the age of six months.
Different growth patternsDifferent growth patterns
The WHO charts aim to show how breastfed babies "should grow" - rather than how most babies do grow.The WHO charts aim to show how breastfed babies "should grow" - rather than how most babies do grow.
They are based on a select group of 8,000 babies from six cities around the world, who were entirely breastfed for six months, with continued breastfeeding into their second year, and where none of the families smoked.They are based on a select group of 8,000 babies from six cities around the world, who were entirely breastfed for six months, with continued breastfeeding into their second year, and where none of the families smoked.
Babies who are breastfed gain weight at a slower rate than their formula-fed peers.Babies who are breastfed gain weight at a slower rate than their formula-fed peers.
Current evidence suggests that such a pattern of growth could potentially reduce the risk of later obesity.Current evidence suggests that such a pattern of growth could potentially reduce the risk of later obesity.
It is estimated that if the new charts are adopted in the UK a quarter of all babies will be redefined as heavier than the norm.It is estimated that if the new charts are adopted in the UK a quarter of all babies will be redefined as heavier than the norm.
Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said: "We are committed to promoting breastfeeding and these new standards will help alleviate mothers' concerns regarding the difference in growth patterns often observed between breastfed and formula-fed babies. Public Health Minister Dawn Primarolo said the feasibility of adopting the new charts would be assessed in a pilot study.
"We are committed to promoting breastfeeding and these new standards will help alleviate mothers' concerns regarding the difference in growth patterns often observed between breastfed and formula-fed babies.
"Our next step is to consider the practical aspects of implementing them effectively."Our next step is to consider the practical aspects of implementing them effectively.
"It's important that we field test the new standards and put in place appropriate training for users.""It's important that we field test the new standards and put in place appropriate training for users."
Professor Peter Aggett, chairman of the Standing Committee on Nutrition for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said adopting the WHO guidance could help to promote breastfeeding.Professor Peter Aggett, chairman of the Standing Committee on Nutrition for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said adopting the WHO guidance could help to promote breastfeeding.
In turn, that could reduce the risk of children becoming overweight and developing life-threatening disease in later life.In turn, that could reduce the risk of children becoming overweight and developing life-threatening disease in later life.
Currently, only about 20% of mothers in the UK breastfeed their babies, and many of these also give their babies some formula.Currently, only about 20% of mothers in the UK breastfeed their babies, and many of these also give their babies some formula.