Breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months

More babies will be classed as overweight in the move that replaces the current charts based on formula-fed babies who grow quicker.
Breast-fed babies gain weight more slowly which means the number of babies classed as being overweight will double to 6%. The charts are based on the current ones developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) – it’s hoped this will help those babies at risk of obesity sooner.
Dr Sheila Shribman, National Clinical Director for Children, Young People and Maternity Services says, ‘The new UK-WHO 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.’
Tam Fry, of the UK National Obesity Forum and chairman of the Child Growth Foundation, embraces the move, believing the changes should help encourage breastfeeding and ‘lessen the likelihood of inappropriate referrals to clinics for failure to thrive’. Eight in 10 mothers start breastfeeding but only 22% will carry it on until six months in England, much lower than in other European countries.
The charts will be used from 11 May.