Introducing the new Child Growth Standards.

All children should have their length and weight regularly measured at birth and throughout childhood Growth is a major indicator of child health; deviation from the normal is an important pointer to disease or distress. Measurements must be plotted on a centile chart so that any deviation from the normal pattern of growth can be detected and action taken. The new Child Growth Standards supersede the old Tanner/Whitehouse Standards of the 1950s. The new Standards are compiled from measurements of approximately 30,000 children taken from two national surveys. They are more up-to-date and representative than the old data and should be introduced as soon as possible. Midwives have an important part to play by measuring the baby accurately at birth and measuring both parents' heights. Health visitors, school nurses and practice nurses should ensure growth is regularly measured throughout childhood and deviations promptly referred.