HEALTH visitors and family doctors are being urged to cut down on the number of times they weigh and measure babies and toddlers.

The move is a key part of a new child health policy, drawn up by public health chiefs in East Lancashire. GPs and health visitors will soon be issued with the new guidelines for child health promotion.

The staging of health checks for pre-schoolchildren will remain at the same intervals - neonatal, between 10 and 14 days, and six to eight weeks until the age of five.

But the focus will shift from the traditional practice of measuring and weighing to more emphasis on health education.

East Lancashire Health Authority's document is largely based on the results of a national review by Professor David Hall of Sheffield University.

Dr Andrew Clark, a registrar in public health for the health authority, said: "Our report focuses on a move away from measuring and weighing children and more towards a health education programme for parents and children.

"The essential measurements will still be done but there will be more advice on issues such as smoking, asthma and glue ear.

"This is the first time that child health policy has been pulled together for health visitors and GPs in East Lancashire."

He said there had been a positive response from the health professionals who had seen it, although the document will be subject to consultation.

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