5. Normal growth

There is an extensive literature on normal growth, and other speakers will deal with specific aspects of the factors that are the subject of discussion and consideration. WHITEHEAD and PAUL (1988) have reviewed the literature which shows that there have been changes in the pattern of growth during the first year of life in infants in many countries of the world. The significance of these changes is not clear at the present time, nor is the extent to which they may be directly attributed to nutritional factors. Infants who are breast-fed grow well and, in general, by 6 months of age at a rate in excess of the NCHS standards.

Between 6 months and 1 year, there is a falling off relative to the standards, with the result that by 1 year they are shorter, lighter, with thinner skinfolds than the standards.