Book Description

The World Health Organization published new child growth standards for infants and children up to the age of 5 years in April 2006 (ISBN 9789241546935). These describe the growth of children living in a well supported health environment in six different countries. This report to the Department of Health advises on the applicability of the new standards for children aged 0-5 years in the UK. There are nine recommendations including: exclusive breastfeeding to the age of six months with continued breastfeeding as part of a progressively varied diet is recommended for all infants; the WHO pattern of slower weight gain between 4 to 24 months could potentially reduce the risk of later obesity; UK1990 growth references should be used over the age of 24 months; the WHO standards should be used from 2 weeks, to take account of the weight adjustments that occur in the first two weeks after birth; the feasibility of using WHO Growth Standards from 2-weeks of postnatal age to 24 months and existing UK1990 from 24 months onwards requires piloting and field-testing before being formally adopted and health professionals involved in child health are likely to require additional training and guidance on the use and interpretation of WHO Growth Standards and UK1990 references for monitoring growth in clinical practice; adoption and implementation of the charts should be preceded by a well-planned communications strategy ensuring that parents and carers receive clear and consistent advice.