UK-WHO Growth Charts: Early Years

The new UK-WHO Growth Charts for children from birth to 4 years of age are now available. The charts have been developed as a project undertaken within the Science and Research Department led by Professor Charlotte Wright from the University of Glasgow and funded by the Department of Health.

The charts are available in an A4 format and has 6 separate charts for insertion into the Personal Child Health Record (PCHR).  There is also a new specialist Low Birthweight A4 chart for births from 23 weeks gestation.


The UK-WHO charts have been endorsed by the following organisations:

 

stakeholder_logos

 

                                                            Breastfeeding Network


 

Why do we need new growth charts?

The new charts are based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards which describe the optimal growth of healthy breast fed children. Previous UK growth charts were based on data from studies on breast- and formula-fed children so do not reflect normal weight fluctuations of breast-fed infants in the first few weeks.

The new charts combine UK90 and WHO data.  There are clear instructions on how to measure, plot and interpret the chart. New features include an adult height predictor, a body mass index (BMI) conversion chart, and guidance on gestational age correction. Read about a summary of the differences and new features in the new charts FS2_What is the difference  Chart differences, or click here to read or download a summary of key UK-WHO chart features.

 

When to use them?

The UK-WHO 0-4 years charts are for all new births and new referrals in England from May 2009 and in Scotland from January 2010. The existing UK90 Growth Charts can continue to be used for children born before this date and for children over 4 years.

 

How are they different?

The new charts combine UK90 and WHO data. Clear instructions explain how to measure, plot and interpret the chart. New features include an adult height predictor, a body mass index (BMI) conversion chart, and guidance on gestational age correction. We have also included information about the charts in the PHCR so it can be easily understood by parents and carers.

  

UK-WHO 0-4 years chart images

The charts can be freely downloaded under the following terms and conditions:

  • The charts must not be used for the purposes of advertising or promoting other products.
  • RCPCH/WHO/Department of Health must be acknowledged as chart developers in any publications or products.
  • Charts are Copyright © 2009 Department of Health, this copyright notice should be reproduced on all copies.
  • Users may not claim any IP rights over the materials or seek to restrict use of them by others.
  • Anyone wishing to print the charts for commercial reasons should first obtain permission from the Department of Health, contact MBCrownCopyright@dh.gsi.gov.uk
  • Any version printed for sale must adhere to the printing specification.
  • Chart images must be reproduced in whole without cropping or altering in any way. 

The charts are available as pdf's:

PCHR:

A4:

Please email growthcharts@rcpch.ac.uk to request electronic high resolution images of the 0-4yrs charts, please note the College does not distribute hard copies. 

 

Feedback

We welcome feedback about the new charts. Any feedback submitted will be considered when the charts are reviewed in Spring 2010. Unfortunately we are not able to respond individually to comments about the new charts.

To request the feedback form please email growthcharts@rcpch.ac.uk

 

Source Data

Chart data sources are available on excel spreadsheets upon request; contact growthcharts@rcpch.ac.uk

 

Educational materials

There is a suite of educational materials to accompany the new charts.  These materials including PowerPoint slides, video clips, tutors notes and plotting exercises are available for downloading. For further information go to the Growth Charts Education and Training Resources page.

 

Parents and Carers

The new charts will be included in the personal child health record (sometimes known as the "red book").  If you would like to know more about the new charts and what they mean for your child please read this Fact Sheet for Parents Fact Sheet for Parents document and this  Lay summary for Parents and Carers Lay summary for Parents and Carers.  


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