Growth Charts and Inserts for Red Book
Down Syndrome-specific growth charts, PCHR Red Book inserts with health checks and developmental milestones, eRedbook app, and guidance from DSMIG and RCPCH
Personal Child Health Record (PCHR)
The fifth edition of this 30-page insert for the "Red Book" was launched in January 2020. It contains additional information for parents and professionals that will help them maintain the health and well-being of babies born with Down Syndrome.
Areas covered are:
- General information.
- Expected developmental progress.
- Possible health problems.
- Suggested schedule of health checks.
- Advice about immunisation, feeding and growth.
- Down specific growth charts.
- Sources of additional help and advice.
Information: Personal Child Health Record (PCHR) - DSMIG.
Download: PCHR for babies who have Down syndrome.
Individual copies of the Red Book can be obtained from the Down syndrome association via their helpline 0333 1212 300.
Note: Children with significant cardiac disease or other major pathology were excluded from the study population. In addition, data for those born before 37 completed weeks were excluded up to age two. The charts are therefore representative of healthy children with Down Syndrome living in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The charts were commissioned by the UK Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group (DSMIG).
As many older children with Down Syndrome are overweight, we have included on the charts a weight-height BMI conversion chart appropriate for children with Down Syndrome aged over 2 years.
eRedbook
The Red Book (PCHR) is going digital - There is an app available for parents/carers and professionals on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. The DS inserts are currently paper versions, but will be adapted for online access to be incorporated into the digital e-version (Nov 2020).
Further Information
RCPCH/DSMIG Growth Chart Fact Sheet - 2011 explains why we need special charts for children with Down Syndrome and how to use the charts to monitor children's growth, including premature babies and older infants and children. It also includes some advice on growth in puberty and overweight, and obesity.
DSMIG Guidelines Basic Medical Surveillance Essential for people with Down Syndrome: Growth gives more information about growth monitoring for children with Down Syndrome and is part of a set of Medical Surveillance Guidelines for people with Down Syndrome produced by the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group.
Growth Charts
Printed growth charts
Copies of the Growth Charts can be ordered from Harlow Printing. All other enquiries about obtaining the charts should be directed to: Harlow Printing Ltd, Maxwell Street, South Shields, Tyne & Wear NE33 4PU. Tel: 0191 455 4286. Fax: 0191 427 0195. Email: sales@harlowprinting.co.uk.
Electronic Growth Charts
DSMIG has been designated by the MRC as a sub-licensee for the data. Anyone wishing to produce an electronic chart needs a licence from DSMIG to do so. Individuals/organisations wishing to produce an electronic Down Syndrome growth chart can download a Licence Application Questionnaire 2019 and Licence Charges 2018.
Email: info@dsmig.org.uk for further information.
Growth Charts - DSMIG - information on the Down's Syndrome Association website.
PCHR for babies who have Down Syndrome.
Down Syndrome Health Record App
An app for parents to plot growth in Down Syndrome.