What's the right weight for my baby?

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From birth, your child's growth is plotted on weight charts, known as centiles, in a Parent Held Child Record (PHCR), sometimes called the Red Book. But breastfed babies can have problems with the charts. They'll gain weight exactly as they should, only to start dropping off their centile after a couple of months. Parents worry they aren't feeding their babies enough, or worse, that they might be ill.

Existing charts were compiled 40 years ago, based largely on formula-fed American babies who tended to be heavier and grew faster than breastfed European children. Some mums complained they fed their children more to keep up with the charts, potentially setting them up for problems with obesity in later life.

In April this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced it had new charts based on more up-to-date research. These aren't in use yet, but if and when the UK adopts them, you'll see differences. We look at these charts and explain how to help your child stay on the curve.

12 months and up

Q. Do charts still matter for children over a year old?
A. In a word, yes, although you've a much better idea how much your child's getting because they can tell you when they're hungry or full. New charts for 1 year plus don't differ vastly from the old ones, and though no decision has yet been made, it looks as if the Government will keep existing charts for toddlers up.

By Morag Cudderford