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Where a baby is born can have a significant impact on how often their head growth is monitored. In the UK, babies typically receive just two routine head circumference measurements during their first year, while babies in Finland and Norway receive 10 and 11 respectively.
Our Global Comparison Research highlights opportunities to improve head growth monitoring, so that babies who need extra care can be identified and supported as early as possible.
UK
Health for all Children. 5th ed. Oxford University Press; 2019:480.
Ireland
Your child’s head circumference. 2022. Health Service Executive. Accessed: 22nd April 2024. Available from: Health for all Children. 5th ed. Oxford University Press; 2019:480.
Germany
Guideline for the early detection of diseases in children. 2023. Federal Joint Committee about the early detection of illnesses in children. Accessed 24th April 2024. Available from:
https://www.g-ba.de/richtlinien/15/
France
Carnet de santé. Ministère de la santé et de l’acces aux soins. 2024. Available from:
https://sante.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/pdfcomplet-specimen-carnet_de_sante.pdf
United States
Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care. 2023. American Academy of Pediatrics & Bright Futures. Accessed 24th April 2024. Available from: UK
Health for all Children. 5th ed. Oxford University Press; 2019:480.
Finland
Child Health Clinic: age-specific check-ups at a child health clinic. 2024. Accessed 24th April 2024. Available from:
https://www.hel.fi/en/health-and-social-services/child-and-family-services/maternity-and-child-health-clinics/for-families-with-babies/child-health-clinic
Norway
Infant healthcare programme, age 0-5 years. 2023. Helsenorge. Accessed 24th April 2024. Available from:
https://www.helsenorge.no/en/help-services-in-the-municipalities/infant-healthcare-programme-age-0-5-years/
Australia
Procedure: Head circumference assessment. 2023. Government of Western Australia: child and adolescent health service. Accessed 24th April 2024. Available from:
https://cahs.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/HSPs/CAHS/Documents/Community-Health/CHM/Head-circumference-assessment.pdf?thn=0
Canada
Childhood Growth Measurement Protocol. Childhood Growth Measurement. 2015. Alberta Health Services. Accessed 24th April 2024. Available from:
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page9810.aspx
Denmark
Monitoring of growth in 0-5 year old children. Guidance for health nurses and general practitioners. 2015. Accessed 24th April 2024. Available from:
https://www.sst.dk/da/udgivelser/2015/~/media/A72D478EDC6F4298ACEE1E9AE545BF83.ashx
Our Global Comparison Study is an ongoing project, continually updated as new information becomes available. We aim to create a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, researchers and families interested in infant head circumference monitoring around the world.
If your country’s guidelines are not currently included, or if you have feedback, corrections or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at: research@harrys-hat.org.
We believe these findings make a compelling case for reviewing the UK’s current approach to routine head circumference monitoring. By signing our petition, you can help support our campaign for change and add your voice to calls for a review of existing guidance.