In order to show how we do the measurements for the Hong Kong Growth Study, we specially
invited the Ho family and their newborn Abriella to help with the demonstration.
Most measurements will be done at the Maternal & Child Health Centres.
Head circumference will be measured 3 times to make sure we get the largest head size of the baby.
We will measure the weight of the baby without clothes and nappy because these can be very
heavy! There are heaters in the weighing room to keep the naked baby warm.
For the purpose of photo-shooting, we wrapped Abriella loosely with a towel when weighing her.
Her weight was 3.54 kg without the towel.
It is not easy to measure the length of babies because their legs are not straight.
We will put the baby gently on the infantometer.
We may ask the carer to hold the baby’s head in the correct position.
We will then apply gentle pressure to the knee with one hand and may tickle the sole, so that
the sole is flat when we take the body length measurement.
We will measure twice to make sure we obtain an accurate measurement.
We are excited to learn about the Hong Kong Growth Study and it is our pleasure to contribute
to this meaningful study by having Abriella measured.
We are looking forward to having the new growth charts for Hong Kong children in the very near
future! When Abriella grows up, we will tell her she has contributed to these charts that are
useful to children in Hong Kong!
