The traditional childrens growth charts that parents have been familiar with since 1990 are being replaced by a new design meant to combat obesity and boost the rates of breastfeeding.
The old charts are based on growth rates for faster growing formula-fed babies.
The new charts will mean more children are classed as overweight. They are being introduced firstly in England but Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to follow soon, .
The government hopes to alleviate breastfeeding mothers' concerns that their babies are underweight.
Current government guidelines advise mothers to give their babies breast milk for the first six months of life and then supplement that with food for a further six months. However, it is known that breast-fed babies gain weight more slowly during that period and the new charts reflect this. By the child's first birthday there is a 1kg difference compared to the old charts.
The downside of the new chart system is that the number of babies classed as overweight will see a 100% increase to 6%. Many medical experts feel that this will help to identify those at risk of obesity earlier.
Dr Sheila Shribman, the government's maternity advisor, says:
"Breastfeeding is the best form of nutrition for infants.
"The new 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."
The new charts are based on a design developed by the World Health Organisation after an extensive study of 8,500 children from across six countries, which established comprehensive and definitive data about the growth of healthy children for the first time. They are to be used on all new babies in England from 11 May with the other countries expected to adopt them in the coming months.
Belinda Phipps, chief executive of the National Childbirth Trust, welcomed the new charts and stated:.
"Now that the new charts have been introduced, the next extremely important step is for health professionals to be appropriately trained on how to work with them in order to ensure parents are given the correct information about their child's weight."
Ms Phipps said the previous charts had led to some breastfeeding mothers being advised to use formula milk, or introduce solids as a "top up" because their babies were not gaining weight fast enough.
"The introduction of formula milk or solids too early can interrupt breastfeeding and often brings it to an end earlier."
In England, eight out of 10 mothers start breastfeeding but only around one fifth continue until six months. The rates are very much lower than other European countries.
See the NHS video about the New Growth Charts here
7 May 09 | 
Children's Television Is A Nightmare
