Frequently Asked Questions - Growth and Development



Our Expert Health Visitors have answered the following questions on Breastfeeding to aid parents of infants & children 0-5 years. Look through the questions listed below, or use our confidential online Health Visitor support service if you would like to ask your own question.


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Q Could you please tell me how health visitors convert babies weight from kg to lbs please? I know there is 2.2046 lbs in a kg but whenever I get my baby weighed they weigh her in Kilos and convert to lbs and I can't see how they do it.

For example. Last time I had her weighed she was 5.14 kg and they converted that to 11.05 1/2 lbs, and today she was 5.69 kg and they converted that to 12.09 lbs, it should be 12.05 1/2 lbs.I have used a weight converter on line and it agress with my calculations.I know it is only ounces different but I cannot make any sense of it. Can you help please? health visitors response

Q My daughter was 2 last month and I am still a bit concerned that she still has a slight soft spot on her head (fontanelle). She is very bright and I have no other concerns but I thought that they usually close between the age of 12-18months. I did see a doctor about 4 months ago and was told that is should close by the age of 2!
Is this something to worry about? health visitors response

Q I'm really worried about the shape of my sons head as its very flat at the back. I've been to the doctors he said it will go back on its own but I dont believe him as it's got worse since last week, also he doesnt seem to be holding his head properly and the doctor said he shouldnt anyway as he's only little.
I've looked on the internet and there are a lot of clinics which specialise in
correcting flat-head syndrome but it costs about two thousand pounds.
Is it availiable on the nhs and how do I get my doctor to refer my son to a
specialist? health visitors response

Q My daughter has been walking for the last 2 months but I am concerned that she is going over on her left foot. Where do I need to take her to rectify this? health visitors response

Q My baby is four months old and she is able to stand on my lap but my mother says that she will end up with bowlegs because it is too early for her to stand. What can I do to stop her? health visitors response

Q My baby is nine months and no sign of teeth. Is this normal? health visitors response

Q My 9mth old daughter has inverted nipples. Will these self correct, could this cause problems later on? health visitors response

Q My daughter is nearly 4 years old and her speech is very unclear. She cannot pronounce C,G & T; they all come out D. Does she need to see a speech therapist? health visitors response