Growth Monitoring Manual

GROWTH MONITORING
MANUAL
National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development

5, Siri Institutional Area, Hauz Khas, New Delhi - 110 016 National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development
GROWTH MONITORING MANUAL

5, Siri Institutional Area, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016
Published by:
5, Siri Institutional Area, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016
Printed by:
Chandu Press, D- 97, Shakarpur, Delhi-110092
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Minister of state (independent charge)
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Government of India
New Delhi-110001
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SECRETARY Government of India
Tel. : 23383586 Ministry of Women and Child Development
Telefax : 233814495 Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-110001
E-mail : secy.wcd@nic.in Website: http://www.wcd.nic.in
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Government of India
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Dr.Shreeranjan
Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-110001
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Website: http://www.wcd.nic.in
Joint Secretary
Foreword
Growth Monitoring and promotion of children from birth to five years is one of the important activities
of Anganwadi Centre (AWC) under Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) programme. Growth
monitoring is a regular measurement of growth which enables mothers to visualise growth, or lack of
it, and obtain specific, relevant and practical growth guidance to ensure continued regular growth and
health of children. Weight for age has been adopted as the method for assessment and improvement
of nutritional status of children under the ICDS programme. The task of growth monitoring requires
technical skill on the part of AWWs for proper weighing, plotting weight on growth charts, interpreting
growth curve and finally using the growth card as a tool for imparting education to mothers to promote
child growth.
A Manual on Growth Monitoring was prepared by National Institute of Public Cooperation and child
Development (NIPCCD) in the year 1988 for providing detailed information on various tasks involved
in growth monitoring to facilitate effective training of ICDS project functionaries. However, keeping
in view the changes in plotting and interpretation of growth curves due to introduction of New WHO
Child Growth Standards, a need was felt to revise the Growth Monitoring Manual developed earlier.
In order to introduce New WHO Child Growth Standards, a National Workshop on the Adoption
of New WHO Child Growth Standards was organised jointly by the Ministry of Women and Child
Development (MWCD) and Ministry Health & Family Welfare (MHFW), Government of India, with
WHO and UNICEF collaboration in New Delhi on 8-9 February 2007. The Workshop recommended
introduction of the new WHO child growth standards in ICDS and NRHM. MWCD facilitated
organisation of four regional workshops in November & December 2008 at NIPCCD, New Delhi and
its Regional Centres in collaboration with UNICEF and WHO to sensitise all key senior officials of State
WCD and Health & Family Welfare about the New WHO Growth Standards. Further, MWCD with
support from National Institutions like National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), NIPCCD, National Institute
of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW) and WHO, UNICEF organised the National Core Trainers
Training Programme on Child Growth Assessment-WHO Child Growth Standards from 9-12 June
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2009 at Hyderabad for facilitating training of functionaries. Later, MWCD organised a National
Consultation on India Adaptation of Training Package on WHO Child Growth Standards (Integrating
Mother & Child Protection Card) in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF in July 2009 at NIHFW,
New Delhi for implementation of the new growth standards in the country. A series of Sensitisation
Workshops at the state level were organised all over the country to roll out the Chart and Card.
The Manual provides comprehensive information on all aspects of growth monitoring. It contains
eight chapters: Introduction to growth monitoring; Determining correct age of the child; Accurate
and safe weighing of infants and children; Plotting weight on the growth chart; Interpreting the
growth curve; Discussing the child’s growth and follow-up action with the mother; Organising
and accomplishing the task of growth monitoring; Role of supervisor in growth monitoring. The
document is targetted at the trainers and functionaries of ICDS. With some modifications, it can be
used by trainers of other child care functionaries as well.
I acknowledge the sincere efforts made by Dr Dinesh Paul, Director, NIPCCD and his project
team consisting of Dr. Neelam Bhatia, Joint Director (Training), Dr. Suryamani Mishra, Faculty and
Ms Aliya Tayyaba, Project Assistant for revising the Manual.
I also take this opportunity to appreciate efforts made by individuals and institutions involved in the
process of finalisation and adaptation of New WHO Child Growth Standards which contributed
for preparation of this Manual. I express my special thanks to Smt. Deepika Srivastva, UNICEF,
Shri Mahesh Arora, Director, MWCD, Smt. Archana Awasthi, Director, MWCD and Dr. G.N.V.
Brahmam, Head of the Department, Division of Community Studies, NIN, Hyderabad for providing
inputs for finalisation of the Manual.
(Dr. Shreeranjan)
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PROJECT TEAM
Dr Dinesh Paul, Director
Dr Neelam Bhatia, Joint Director (Training)
Dr Suryamani Mishra, Faculty
Ms Aliya Tayyaba, Project Assistant
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Dr G.N.V. Brahmam, Head of the Department
Division of Community Studies, NIN, Hyderabad
Ms Alka Malhotra, Programme Communication Specialist
UNICEF, New Delhi
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WHAT IS THE DOCUMENT?
This manual gives detailed information in the area of
growth monitoring. The document contains eight chapters:
Introduction to growth monitoring; Determining correct age of
the child; Accurate and safe weighing of infants and children;
Plotting weight on the growth chart; Interpreting the growth
curve; Discussing the child’s growth and follow-up action with
the mother; Organising and accomplishing the task of growth
monitoring; Role of supervisor in growth monitoring.
FOR WHOM?
The document is for all those involved in training in
growth monitoring. It is focused on the trainers of Integrated
Child Development Scheme (ICDS) functionaries. With some
modifications, it can be used by trainers of other child care
functionaries as well.
HOW TO USE?
Read each chapter carefully. At the end of each chapter
certain exercises have been suggested. Complete these exercises
before going on to the next chapter.
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GROWTH MONITORING IS A REGULAR MEASUREMENT
OF GROWTH WHICH ENABLES MOTHERS TO VISUALISE
GROWTH, OR LACK OF IT, AND OBTAIN SPECIFIC,
RELEVANT AND PRACTICAL GUIDANCE TO ENSURE
CONTINUED REGULAR GROWTH AND HEALTH OF
CHILDREN.
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CONTENTS
PAGE NUMBER
Preface
Foreword
Chapter-I Introduction to growth monitoring 1-10
Chapter-II Determining the correct age of the child 11-16
Chapter-III Accurate and safe weighing of infants and children 17-34
Chapter-IV Plotting weight on the growth chart 35-54
Chapter-V Interpreting the growth curve 55-78
Chapter-VI Discussing the child’s growth and follow up action with the 79-108
mother
Chapter-VII Organising and accomplishing the task of growth monitoring 109-116
Chapter-VIII Role of supervisor in growth monitoring 117-133
Annexure-I Local events calendar 137
Annexure-II Mother and Child Protection Card 138-139
Annexure-III Recipes of Micronutrient-fortified food/Energy-dense food for 140-155

severely underweight children
Annexure-IV Skill training for Instructors of MLTCs/AWTCs on New WHO 156-162

Child Growth Standards in ICDS
Annexure-V Answers of exercises 163-179
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LIST OF PICTURES AND TABLES
S.NO PICTURE/TABLE NO DETAILS OF PICTURE/TABLE
1 PICTURE 1.1 STEPS OF GROWING A SEED AND CHANGING INTO A

PLANT
2 PICTURE 1.2 AN EGG TO BIRD
3 PICTURE1.3 GROWTH OF ANIMAL
4 PICTURE1.4 DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN
5 TABLE 1.1 NORMAL WEIGHT GAIN OF CHILDREN BIRTH TO THREE

YEARS
6 PICTURE 3.1 SALTER SCALE OF 100 GM DIVISIONS
7 PICTURE 3.2 PARTS OF SALTER SCALE AND HANGING THE SCALE
8 PICTURE 3.3 ADJUSTING OF THE NEEDLE
9 PICTURE 3.4 PUTTING THE CHILD IN THE PANTS
10 PICTURE 3.5 WEIGHING THE CHILD OR INFANT
11 PICTURE 3.6 READING THE SCALE
12 PICTURE 3.7 BAR SCALE WITH 50 GRAMS DIVISIONS
13 PICTURE 3.8 BAR SCALE WITH 100 GM. DIVISIONS
14 PICTURE 3.9 HANGING THE BAR SCALE
15 PICTURE 3.10 BALANCING THE BAR SCALE
18 PICTURE 3.13 READING THE SCALE
19 PICTURE 3.14 PUTTING THE CHILD IN THE BASKET
20 PICTURE 3.15 WEIGHING A CHILD
21 PICTURE 3.16 WEIGHING AN INFANT
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22 PICTURE 3.17 READING THE WEIGHT OF THE CHILD
23 PICTURE 3.18 WEIGHING A CHILD WHO WEIGHS MORE THAN 10

KILOGRAMS
24 PICTURE 3.19 TARING WEIGHING SCALE
25 PICTURE 3.20 MOTHER’S WEIGHT ALONE IN THE TARING SCALE
26 PICTURE 3.21 TARING THE SCALE
27 PICTURE 3.22 CHILD‘S WEIGHT ON THE TARING SCALE
28 PICTURE 3. 23 PICTURE OF A CHILD WHOSE WEIGHT IS BEING

RECORDED ON THE WEIGHING MACHINE.
29 PICTURE 4.1(a) A NEW WHO GROWTH CHART FOR GIRLS
PICTURE 4.1(b) A NEW WHO GROWTH CHART FOR BOYS
30 PICTURE 4.2(a) NEW WHO GROWTH CHART FOR GIRLS SHOWING

INFORMATION IN THE INFORMATION BOX AND
MONTH AND YEAR COLUMN
PICTURE 4.2(b) A NEW WHO GROWTH CHART FOR BOYS SHOWING

INFORMATION IN THE INFORMATION BOX AND
MONTH AND YEAR COLUMN
31 PICTURE 4.3 NEW WHO GROWTH CHART SHOWING PLOTTING OF

WEIGHT
32 PICTURE 4.4 NEW WHO GROWTH CHART SHOWING A GROWTH

CURVE AND DOTTED LINE
33 PICTURE 5.1 A MARASMIC CHILD
34 PICTURE 5. 2 A CHILD WITH KWASHIORKOR
35 PICTURE 5. 3 A CHILD WITH OEDEMA OF BOTH FEET
36 PICTURE 5. 4 GROWTH CHART OF CHILDREN WITH CLINICAL SIGNS
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37 PICTURE 5. 5(A) NORMAL EYE
PICTURE 5. 5(B) BITOT SPOT IN EYES (VITAMIN-A DEFICIENCY)
PICTURE 5. 5(C) HEALED BITOT SPOT IN EYE
38 PICTURE 5. 6(A) SPOON-SHAPED NAILS WITH IRON DEFICIENCY

ANAEMIA
PICTURE 5. 6(B) NAILS WITH IRON DEFICIENCY
PICTURE 5. 6(C) PALE TONGUE (ANAEMIA)
39 PICTURE 5. 7(A) PERSONS WITH IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS

(GOITRE)
PICTURE 5. 7(B) PERSONS WITH IODINE DEFICIENCY(CRETINISM)
40 PICTURE 5. 8(A) A CHILD WITH VITAMIN-D DEFICIENCY(RICKETS)
PICTURE 5. 8(B) SIGNS OF RICKETS
41 PICTURE 5. 9(A) ANGULAR STOMATITIS (RIBOFLAVIN DEFICIENCY)
PICTURE 5. 9(B) GLOSSITIS (RIBOFLAVIN DEFICIENCY)
42 PICTURE 5. 10 DIRECTION OF GROWTH CURVE
43 PICTURE 5. 11 GROWTH CHART OF RUCHI
44 PICTURE 5. 12 GROWTH CHART OF ANUPAM
45 PICTURE 5. 13 GROWTH CHART OF SHALU
46 PICTURE 5. 14 GROWTH CHART OF MERRY
47 PICTURE 6.1 A MOTHER BREASTFEEDING HER CHILD
48 PICTURE 6.2 A MOTHER EATING ADEQUATE OF FOOD
49 PICTURE 6.3 A BABY BEING GIVEN BCG IMMUNISATION
50 PICTURE 6.4 A MOTHER GETTING HER CHILD WEIGHED
51 PICTURE 6.5 A BABY WITH HIS MOTHER IN A NEAT & CLEAN HOUSE
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52 PICTURE 6.6 A MOTHER BREASTFEEDS HERCHILD
53 PICTURE 6.7 A BABY GIVEN DPT IMMUNISATION
54 PICTURE 6.8 A MOTHER PREPARING COMPLEMENTARY
FOOD FOR HER CHILD
55 PICTURE 6.9 A MOTHER GIVING SEMI-SOLID FOOD TO HER CHILD
56 PICTURE 6.10 MASHED FOODS (POTATO, BANANA, PORRIDGE ETC.)
57 PICTURE 6.11 A CHILD PUTTING SOMETHING IN HIS MOUTH WHICH

MAY RESULT IN LOOSE STOOLS
58 PICTURE 6.12 A MOTHER GIVING PLENTY OF FLUIDS TO HER CHILD
59 PICTURE 6.13 INSTRUCTION OF NOT USING BOTTLE TO FEED MILK/

WATER TO THE CHILD
60 PICTURE 6.14 ONE YEAR OLD CHILD TAKING FOOD WITH FAMILY
61 PICTURE 6.15 GROWTH CHART OF SALMA
62 PICTURE 6.16 AWW DISCUSSING GROWTH CURVE OF THE CHILD

WITH THE MOTHER DURING HOME VISIT
63 PICTURE 7.1 AN ANGANWADI WORKER ORGANISING GROWTH

MONITORING SESSION OUTSIDE THE ANGANWADI
CENTRE
64 PICTURE 7.2 AN AWW DISCUSSING A CHILD’S GROWTH WITH HER

MOTHER
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ABBREVIATIONS
ADI Average Dietary Intake
ANM Auxiliary Nurse Midwife
ASHA Accredited Social Health Activist
AWC Anganwadi Centre
AWW Anganwadi Worker
AWTC Anganwadi Workers' Training Centre
CDPO Child Development Project Officer
ICDS Integrated Child Development Scheme
JSY Janani Suraksha Yojana
LHV Lady Health Visitor
MCP Card Mother & Child Protection Card
MLTC Middle Level Training Centre
MoHFW Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
MO Medical Officer
MWCD Ministry of Women and Child Development
NIPCCD National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development
NFHS National Family Health Survey
NGO Non Government Organisation
NRHM National Rural Health Mission
ORS Oral Rehydration Solution
PHC Primary Health Centre
RDA Recommended Dietary Allowance
SNP Supplementary Nutrition Programme
TBA Trained Birth Attendant
THR Take Home Ration
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
WHO World Health Organisation
xvii
xviii
CHAPTER - I
INTRODUCTION TO GROWTH MONITORING

After reading this chapter and completing the exercises suggested at the end of the chapter,
the reader will be able to:
1. define growth and explain its relationship to health of the child;
2. describe at least three important factors affecting growth; and
3. describe the process of measuring growth known as growth monitoring, pointing out the five
steps to be taken in growth monitoring.
Introduction to Growth Monitoring
WHAT IS GROWTH
Growth is the regular increase in size or weight of any living thing, whether it is a plant, an
animal, or a human being. Regular and continuous growth is the essence of health in early life of
living objects.
1.1 Growth is a continuous process, going on every moment, and is the result of everything in the
environment and life of living things. When a seed grows into a seedling, and then into a plant, we
say that it is growing (Picture 1.1). A plant’s regular growth depends upon the quality of the soil,
the availability of water, sunlight, fertilizer, absence of disease and continued removal of weeds.
Similarly, when a small baby gains weight, grows in height, begins to roll over, sit up and walk,
we say that the child is growing. Optimal child growth occurs only with adequate food, a caring,
nurturing, social environment and absence of illness, which provides full attention to the growing
baby.
PICTURE 1.1: STEPS OF GROWING A SEED INTO SEEDLING AND A PLANT
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Growth Monitoring Manual
PICTURE 1.2: AN EGG TO BIRD
www.dreamstime.com royalty free stock photo: chicken life cycle
PICTURE 1.3: GROWTH OF ANIMAL
www.corbis.co.in: Photography - Rights Managed and Royalty Free Images
REMEMBER:
GROWTH IS REGULAR INCREASE IN SIZE OR WEIGHT OF ANY LIVING THING.
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1.2 NEW WHO GROWTH STANDARDS
It was recognised that the use of child growth standards is not consistent across the country,
as different child growth reference values and different systems of classification are being used to
assess nutritional status of young children. In ICDS, growth monitoring of children (weight-for-age)
was done earlier using IAP Classification by modifying Harvard Standards (up to 80 per cent of median
is normal; between 80 and 71 per cent is first degree malnutrition i.e. mild; between 70 and 61 per
cent is second degree of malnutrition i.e. moderate; and under 60 per cent is third degree malnutrition
i.e. severe). Comprehensive review showed growth patterns of healthy breastfed infants are different
from the existing national/international references. The availability of new child growth Standards and
implementation of Eleventh 5-Year Plan provided an opportune moment to review the use of different
child growth standards in India, different classifications used, and to analyse different options for
updating and harmonising the use of child growth standards in both ICDS and NRHM. In this context,
a National Workshop on the Adoption of New WHO Child Growth Standards was organised jointly
by the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, with WHO and UNICEF collaboration, at New Delhi on 8-9
February 2007. The recommendations of the workshop were endorsed for action by both MWCD and
MoHFW. A joint policy directive dated 6 August 2008 was issued by the Secretaries of MWCD and
MoHFW, Government of India to the Secretaries of Women and Child Development and Health and
Family Welfare of all the States that the new WHO child growth standards would be adopted in India
with effect from 15 August 2008 by both ICDS and NRHM.
1.2.1 As per the Joint Policy Directive dated 06.08.2008, NIPCCD organised a large number of
training courses through its Headquarters and Regional Centres for training of Instructors of
AWTCs/MLTCs on New WHO Child Growth Standards in ICDS and use of MCP Card. A
copy of this three days training module is at Annexure-IV.
1.2.2 The new WHO child growth standards represent a shift from describing how children grow –
to prescribing how they should grow – how they have a right to grow. They demonstrate for
the first time ever that children born in different regions of the world and given the optimum
start in life have the potential to grow and develop up to the same range of height and weight
for age. The standards show that nutrition, environment and healthcare are stronger factors
in determining growth and development than regional or ethnic background. Details of
these three factors are:
Optimal Nutrition
• Exclusive breastfeeding up to six months
• Appropriate complementary feeding
Optimal Environment
• No microbiological contamination
• No smoking
Optimal Health Care
• Immunisation
• Paediatric routines
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1.3 HOW CHILDREN GROW
In children, growth is most rapid at the younger age. While the child is in the mother’s womb,
it grows many times from a tiny egg to a baby weighing between 2.5 kg- 3 kg at birth (Picture 1.4).
The baby grows most rapidly during the first year of life called infancy. Table 1.1 shows the normal
weight gain of children from birth to 3 years. A healthy baby gains about 800 grams each month
during the first two months of life, about 600 grams from 3 months to 4 months, around 400 grams
from 5 months to 6 months, and thereafter healthy child gains around 200 grams each month up
to 3 years. The faster growth in infancy makes these babies vulnerable to factors like inadequate
nutrition or illness, which might slow or stop growth.
PICTURE 1.4: STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN
10 WEEKS OLD FOETUS 36 WEEKS OLD FOETUS
NEW BORN BABY
REMEMBER:
AS PER NEW WHO CHILD GROWTH STANDARDS, THERE ARE SEPARATE GROWTH CHARTS
FOR GIRLS AND BOYS, AS THEY HAVE DIFFERENT WEIGHTS AND LENGTHS BEGINNING AT
BIRTH AND GROW TO DIFFERENT SIZES ACCORDING TO AGE.
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TABLE 1.1: NORMAL WEIGHT GAIN OF CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO THREE YEARS
AGE AVERAGE WEIGHT GAIN PER MONTH IN

GRAMS
Birth to 2 months 800

3 months to 4 months 600
5 months to 6 months 400
7 months to 3 years 200
1.3.1 When growth slows or stops, we say growth “falters”. This is a sign that something is wrong with
the child and must be discovered at the earliest and set right. We monitor or measure growth
regularly to see whether the child is growing properly. If the child is growing, we say she is healthy.
If she is not growing, we must find out why and take action to restore growth. It can be said
that “A GROWING CHILD IS A HEALTHY CHILD”, and equally true that, “A CHILD WHO
IS NOT GROWING IS NOT HEALTHY”.
REMEMBER:
CHILDREN GROW MOST RAPIDLY IN THE FIRST YEAR OF LIFE. A GROWING CHILD IS A
HEALTHY CHILD.
1.4 HOW TO MEASURE GROWTH
Growth of a baby is seen in many ways: increase in size, height and weight, clothes becoming
smaller than they used to be, a string on the waist becoming tighter etc. These are all signs of
growth but they cannot tell us if the child is growing well enough for its age. There are many ways
of measuring the growth of a child. The most accurate and sensitive measure of growth is weight
gain. By weighing a child regularly, a change of even one to two hundred grams can be observed.
This weight change is not visible by any other means of measuring growth. This is why we weigh
children regularly to see how much weight they have gained.
REMEMBER:
THE MOST ACCURATE AND SENSITIVE MEASURE OF GROWTH IS WEIGHT GAIN.
1.5 WHAT IS GROWTH MONITORING

Weighing of the child at regular intervals, the plotting of that weight on a graph (called a
growth chart) enabling one to see changes in weight, and giving advice to the mother based on this
weight change is called ‘GROWTH MONITORING’. Monitoring means keeping a regular track
of something, like every week or every month. It must be done at regular intervals. For growth
monitoring, it is the change in weight over a period of time which is most important, rather than the
weight itself. It should be done more frequently, i.e. once every month, up to age of 3 years and at
least once in 3 months, thereafter.
1.5.1 Each time a child is weighed, the weight is recorded by marking a point on the chart. These
points are joined by a line. This line is called a growth curve. If a child is growing and there
7
is regular weight gain, the line will move in an upward direction. Thus, growth becomes
visible to the worker and the mother when the weight is plotted on a growth chart. When
growth falters, i.e. when weight does not increase as expected, the line on the growth chart
does not go upward, but stays flat. The line on the growth chart may even go in a downward
direction, when a child loses weight.
1.5.2 Thus, monitoring the growth of a child every month enables us to see periods of no growth
or weight loss even before a child starts appearing thin. This warns us to take early action to
ensure that the child grows normally. Taking action on the first sign of growth faltering can
easily restore health and proper growth.
REMEMBER:
THE PURPOSE OF GROWTH MONITORING IS TO TAKE ACTION ON THE FIRST SIGNS OF
INADEQUATE GROWTH, NO GROWTH OR WEIGHT LOSS IN A CHILD SO AS TO RESTORE
HEALTH AND PROPER GROWTH.
REMEMBER:
STEPS IN GROWTH MONITORING
Growth Monitoring involves five steps
Step 1: Determining correct age of the child
Step 2: Accurate weighing of the child
Step 3: Plotting the weight accurately on a growth chart of appropriate gender
Step 4: Interpreting the direction of the growth curve and recognising if the child is growing properly
Step 5: Discussing the child’s growth and follow-up action needed, with the mother
1.6 WHEN TO START GROWTH MONITORING AND HOW OFTEN
Growth Monitoring must start at an early age in the child’s life, right from birth. The Anganwadi
Worker (AWW) must explain to the mother, and other older persons in the house, the importance
of weighing a new born baby preferably, same day of birth. Help of the village traditional birth
attendant (TBA) and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) can be taken, if need be, to convince
the mother.
1.6.1 We have already discussed that children grow most rapidly from birth to 3 years, particularly
in the first six months. In this age, they are also more vulnerable to diseases and inadequate
nutrition which affect normal growth pattern. It is, therefore, essential to monitor growth of
children in this age more frequently. The AWW should weigh all new borns and children
from birth- 1 month weekly, one month- 3 years every month and 3-5 years at every three
months. However, children who are severely underweight, or who have not gained weight
for 2 months, or who are “at risk” of under nutrition, should be weighed frequently preferably
every month. However, keeping in view the golden principle of New WHO Growth Standards
i.e. weighing and plotting weight of children on the basis of completed weeks/months, it is
advisable to conduct four weighing sessions in a month at the AWC so that all children are
weighed every month. Those children who do not attend AWC should also be motivated to
attend the weighing sessions, without fail.
8
1.6.2 Keeping in view the actual number of children availing services under ICDS in the country,
it can be roughly estimated that average number of children per AWC would be around 60
in the age group of 0-5 years for growth monitoring. There would be less number of children
in the age group of 3-5 years (around 20) those are to be weighed quarterly and around 40
children per AWC would be available in the age group of birth to 3 years those are to be
weighed monthly. It may be mentioned that weekly weighing has to be done in the first
month for every child. Therefore, keeping in view the number of children to be weighed,
time required for weighing a child, daily workload/ activities of AWW and need for weighing
and plotting weight on completed month, it is suggested that there should be four weighing
sessions per month at every AWC. Day of weighing of each child should be determined
keeping in view her/his date of birth in order to ensure that every child is weighed on
completed month. It may not be feasible to weigh every child on her/his completed month.
However, efforts should be made to fix the days of weekly weighing in such a way so that
maximum number of children who complete and those who have already completed their
months are accommodated on that day for proper growth monitoring. It is also required
that apart from frequent weighing of severely underweight children by AWW, measures for
rehabilitation and management of the severely underweight children should be taken on
monthly Village Nutrition and Health Day by Health Officials.
REMEMBER:
GROWTH MONITORING MUST START RIGHT FROM BIRTH OF THE CHILD. GROWTH OF
ALL THE CHILDREN FROM BIRTH TO 3 YEARS, THOSE AT RISK OF UNDER NUTRITION, AND
WHO HAVE NOT GAINED WEIGHT FOR 2 MONTHS MUST BE MONITORED EVERY MONTH.
GROWTH OF CHILDREN FROM 3-5 YEARS MUST BE MONITORED AT EVERY THREE MONTHS
.
In the following chapters, you will be reading details on the five steps in growth monitoring.
9
EXERCISE-1
Fill in the Blanks
(1) Growth is the regular____________________________________in size or weight & height of

a child.
(2) A child who gains weight and height every month is a___________________________child.
(3) Three important factors that are required for growth of a child are
i)_______________________ ii)_______________________ iii)__________________________
(4) List the five steps to be taken for growth monitoring:
i) _____________________________________________________________________________
ii) ____________________________________________________________________________
iii) ____________________________________________________________________________
iv) ____________________________________________________________________________
v) _____________________________________________________________________________
Check your answers from Annexure-V.
If any of your answers is incorrect or incomplete, go back to the chapter and read the concerned
portion once again.
10
CHAPTER - II
DETERMINING THE CORRECT AGE OF THE CHILD

1. understand the different ways of determining the correct birth months and year of a child;
2. demonstrate how to question the mother to find out the correct birth month and year of
child;
3. prepare a local events calendar; and
4. demonstrate how to use the local events calendar to determine correct birth month and year
of the child.
Determining the Correct Age of the Child
HOW TO DETERMINE AGE
Let us now read details on the first step of growth monitoring which is determining correct age
of the child. In the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) programme, growth monitoring
is done by weight for age method comparing the weight of the child with his age. We, therefore,
first need to know the correct age of the child up to nearest month. If the child’s age is not known
correctly, it is not possible to assess the growth of the child and have an accurate growth chart. An
under or over estimate of even two or three months could result in the child being considered either
healthy or undernourished than what he actually is. Therefore, knowing the correct age of the child
is necessary to do accurate growth monitoring.
2.1 The AWW should be aware of all the births taking place in her area. She can do this by
keeping in constant contact with the pregnant women, who are her beneficiaries in the last
trimester. She should note down the date of birth of a child as soon as the woman delivers
the baby. Keeping in touch with the local trained birth attendant (TBA) can also help her
in knowing the births of new babies. The AWW should immediately record the date of
birth (day, month and year) of the child in her register. She should also start monitoring the
growth of these children.
2.2 However, if the mother comes to her present place of residence a few months or years after
the child’s birth, she may not remember the month of birth of the child. For these children,
the AWW can consult the local official register of births with the village panchayat, and
or hospital card (in case of urban projects or rural projects close to city). Keeping in view
implementation of Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), number of institutional deliveries has been
increased in our country. Therefore, date of birth in case of large number of children would
be available with the health centre. If, however, there are no such records of births in a given
area, AWWs can assess the age of a child:
 with the help of Mother and Child Protection Card (MCPC)

 with the help of birth certificate
 from the mother, if she remembers the exact date of birth
 using a local events calendar.
2.3 Talking to the Mother
By asking the mother, father, grandparents, or even neighbours a few questions, the birth of
a child can be related to season or some important festival or event in the past. The AWW should
remind the mother of events that can help her to recollect when her child was born. The following
questions may be put to the mother.
“Was it the summer, rainy season or winter when the child was born?”
If the mother lives in a rural area, you may enquire about the agricultural operation that took
place at the time of her child’s birth, or the celebration of a festival.
“Was it the kharif season or rabi season?”
13
Which crops were being grown at that time”
“Did any special event (election, nautanki, visit of a politician, a wedding etc.) took place
soon before or after birth?
“Was any crop being harvested at that time?”
“Was the child born soon before or after the birth of a child whose date of birth is known?”
“Was any festival celebrated days before or after the birth?”
These are examples of some of the questions she may ask to the mother. After getting a
rough idea of the child’s birth month, to pinpoint the correct birth month of the child, a local events
calendar, listing local festivals, can be helpful.
2.4 Local Events Calendar
A local events calendar indicates all the dates on which important events took place during
the past five years. Such a calendar should show the following :
a) the different seasons – summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring;
b) important events in the agricultural cycle of the area, such as sowing and harvesting of
rabi crops (wheat, barley, sarson) and kharif crops (jawar, bajra, maize) and the other
crops;
c) names of months – both Indian (Chaitra, Baisakhi, etc.) and Western (January, February
etc.);
d) local festivals, such as Lohri, Baisakhi, Ram Navmi, Idul Fitar, etc.;
e) phases of the moon, such as full moon (Poornima), new moon (Amavas), Ekadshi, etc.;
f) national festivals, such as Republic Day, Independence Day, etc.; and
g) other events of importance like general elections, panchayat elections, municipal

elections, drought, floods or cyclones in the area, visits of very important persons etc.
2.5 No uniform calendar of events can be prescribed for the entire country, state or even a district.
This calendar is by definition ‘local’ in nature and will vary from locality to locality. Therefore, the
AWW should make a calendar of local events for the last five years for her area. An example of such
a local events calendar is given at Annexure-I.
2.6 After questioning the mother regarding the season, crop harvest, events, festivals, etc. which
occurred soon before or after the birth of the child, the AWW should look up the local events
calendar to find out the exact birth month.
2.7 An illustration of how to question the family members and use the local events calendar to
find out the birth, month and year of the child is given below.
14
Determining the Correct Age of the Child
This conversation took place in April 2007
AWW “Kamla, how old is your child Ram?”
Mother “Let me count, Well 1, 2 and 3, about 3 years. Mother, isn’t that so”?
Grandmother “Yes, I think Ram has completed 3 years already”.
AWW “What was the season he was born in ? Was it summer, winter or the rainy
season?”
Mother “It was severely cold. It was winter then.”
Grandmother “It was the month of Paush. Wheat had been sown about 2 months
earlier.”
AWW “Was it somewhere near Lohri?”
Neighbour “Oh yes, it was only 3 days before Lohri. You remember Kamla, we celebrated
Lohri 3 days after the birth of Ram”.
Mother and
Grandmother “Yes, yes you are right”.
AWW can say that the child was born on 10 January 2004 as Lohri was celebrated on 13 January
2004.
REMEMBER:
KNOWING THE CORRECT AGE OF THE CHILD IS NECESSARY TO DO ACCURATE GROWTH
MONITORING.
15
EXERCISE-2
(1) Fill in the Blanks
a) It is important to know the correct age of the child for
b) Anganwadi Worker can know the correct birth date, month and year of child from
(i) _________________________________ (ii) _________________________________
(iii) _________________________________ (iv) _________________________________
(2) Add the local festivals and events of your area to the local events calendar given at
Annexure-I.
(3) The Anganwadi Worker asked Rama in January 2009 when her daughter Luxmi was born.
The Anganwadi Worker asked her number of questions and found out that Luxmi was born
about a week before Diwali in the last year. What is the date, month and year of birth of
Luxmi ?
(4) Maya and her husband Madhav have come to the village in October 2006. Their son, Ram
has just started going to the school. They have a daughter named Rita who has recently
started walking with support. Since the mother had no record of Rita’s birth date, Anganwadi
Worker asked the mother when Rita was born. She said that, after her first son was about a
year old, she conceived but lost the baby after 3 months of pregnancy. Then she conceived
Rita after four years. Anganwadi Worker asked for some record of date of birth of Ram.
She had some papers from the PHC which she showed. That record showed Ram’s birth
in October 2000. The mother also told that Rita was born in winter about 10 days before
Diwali. When was Rita Born?
(5) Talk to 3 mothers, who do not know the dates of birth of their children. Find out the dates
of birth (in completed months) by questioning them and, if required, using local events
calendar.
(6) A child was born on 18 August 2009. What is the age of the child today (15-08-2010).
Check your answers from Annexure-V.
portion once again.
16
CHAPTER - III
ACCURATE AND SAFE WEIGHING OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN

This Chapter shall enable the reader to:
1. name the major parts of the Bar and Salter scales;
2. demonstrate how to hang the scale correctly;
3. demonstrate how to adjust the scale to zero;
4. demonstrate the proper and safe way of placing the child in the sling or basket or pants;
5. demonstrate accurate reading of the weight to the nearest 100 grams (by approximation in
case of Salter scale);
6. demonstrate safe removal of the child from the sling or basket or pants;
7. become acquainted with use of taring (digital) scale.

Accurate and Safe Weighing of Infants and Children
WEIGHING OF INFANTS AND CHILDREN
Let us now learn more about the second step of growth monitoring, which is accurate weighing
of children. Regular weighing of the child is necessary for monitoring her/his growth. The two types
of scales being used in ICDS for weighing children are the ‘Bar scale’ and the ‘Salter or Dial type
scale’. We shall also learn in this chapter, weighing a child using a taring (digital) scale.
Let us first learn how to use the Salter scale.

3.1 SALTER WEIGHING SCALE
The Salter Weighing Scale is a reliable, light and portable scale, which can weigh children
weighing up to 25 kg. The Salter scale is round in shape, with the needle in the centre (Picture 3.1).
Weights are marked in kilograms around the dial. There are two variations of the Salter scale. One
type has only 500 gm markings between kilograms, and the other has 100 gm as well as 500 gm
markings between kilograms. Salter scale with only 500 gm divisions is not used now-a-days. The
Scale has a screw on top to make the zero adjustment so that the needle points to zero before the
child is weighed.
3.1.1 The scale has two hooks. One on the top is used to hang the scale on a beam or branch of
a tree with a rope. The other one is below the dial and is used to hang the sling or pants in
which the child is placed for weighing. The method of weighing a child in a Salter scale is
explained in the following pages (Picture 3.2-3.6).
19
PICTURE 3.1: SALTER SCALE OF 100 GRAM DIVISIONS
The Salter scale can weigh children up to 25 kg.

There are two variations of the Salter scale.
One type has 500 gm divisions between kilograms, and the other type has
100 gm divisions between kilograms.
Salter scale with 100 gram divisions
Upper hook
Screw for setting needle to ‘0’
Needle
Dial
Lower hook
Pants/sling for weighing children
Sling for weighing infants can be made with

any cloth knotted or joined with rope at the top
20
PICTURE 3.2: PARTS OF SALTER SCALE AND HANGING THE SCALE
Upper hook Screw
Dial
• Place the upper hook through the hole at the
Needle
top of the scale.
• Put a rope through the upper hook of the scale
Lower hook
and hang it from a beam or branch of a tree by
tying the rope securely.
• Make sure the dial is at eye level so that the
weight is read correctly, and not too high from
the ground, to avoid injury to the child in case
of accidental fall.
• Be sure there is room for the scale to hang
freely.
• Pull down on the scale to make sure it is
secure.
• Place the lower hook on the bottom of the
scale.
PICTURE 3.3: ADJUSTING THE NEEDLE
Screw Screw
Pants for weighing Infant sling for

Small children weighing infants
Getting ready to weigh a child (made of any cloth)
• Place the pants on the lower Getting ready to weigh an infant
hook • Place the infant sling on the
• Then adjust the needle to zero lower hook
(‘0’) the screw at the top of the • Then adjust the needle to zero
scale in clock wise or anti clock (‘0’) by turning in clock wise or
wise direction anti clock wise direction
21
PICTURE 3.4 PUTTING THE CHILD IN THE PANTS
• Remove the pants from the hook

• Carefully place the child in the pants
• Ask the child to hold the straps for support
• Make sure the straps are in front of the Child’s arms
• Hold the child securely under the

pants and place the strap of the pants
on to the lower hook
PICTURE 3.5 SHOWS WEIGHING THE CHILD OR INFANT
• Make sure the child’s feet are not touching the ground and the child is not holding on to
anything, other than straps of the sling
• No one should touch the child while the weight is being read
• Ask the mother to stand close by and talk to the child to prevent crying
• Read the weight when the child is calm and the needle stops moving
• Read the weight exactly opposite the scale; Do not read the weight from the sides
22
PICTURE 3.6 READING THE SCALE
In this scale each kilogram is divided into 100 gm markings.

This needle is at 3700 gm.
Long line =Kilogram
Medium line = 500 gm
Short line = 100 gm
3.2 BAR WEIGHING SCALE
Let us now learn about the Bar Weighing Scale. The Bar Scale is a light metal scale. It is
reliable, sensitive and portable and can weigh children up to 20 kilograms.
3.2.1 The Bar Scale has two hooks. Hold the scale so that the numbers are right side up. The upper
hook is used to hang the scale from a beam or a branch of a tree, and the lower hook is used
to hang a basket or sling in which the child is placed for weighing.
3.2.2 The Bar Scale is graduated from 0-10 kilograms. There are two types of Bar Scale. In one
type of scale, each kilogram is divided into 100 grams divisions and in the other type, each
kilogram is divided into 50 grams division. Please check the divisions on the scale you are
using (Picture 3.7 and 3.8).
3.2.3 Two weights are used with the Bar Scale. The big red weight is always used while weighing
children and is attached to the movable slider which has a needle, pointing to reading.
The smaller blue weight is only used for children who weigh more than 10 kg. It is attached
to the fixed bracket on the right end side of the scale.
23
3.2.4 At the left end of the scale is a counterweight with a screw in the centre. This is used for
balancing the scale if the scale is not horizontal when the basket or sling is on the lower
hook, and the slider is set at zero. The method of weighing and reading the weight of the
child with Bar scale is presented in Picture 3.9 – 3.18.
PICTURE 3.7: BAR SCALE WITH 50 GRAMS DIVISIONS
There are two kinds of bar scales. In one type each kilogram on the bar is divided into
50 gram divisions. In the other type each kilogram is divided into 100 gram divisions.
Upper hook
Counter weight Needle Bar
Slider
Bracket
Lower hook
Small blue
Big red weight
weight
Infant sling (made

of any cloth) to
weight infants
Basket
PICTURE 3.8: BAR SCALE WITH 100 GRAMS DIVISIONS
Upper hook
Counter weight Needle
Slider
Bracket
Lower hook
Small blue
Big red weight
weight
Infant sling
(made of any cloth)
Basket
24
PICTURE 3.9: HANGING THE BAR SCALE
• Put a rope through the upper hook of the scale.

• Hang the scale from a beam or branch of a tree by
tying the rope securely.
• Be sure there is room for the scale to hang freely.
• Pull down on the scale to make sure it is secure. Upper hook
• The scale should be hung at eye level.
Lower hook
PICTURE 3.10: BALANCING THE BAR SCALE
• Place the basket or infant sling • Gently slide the slider to the ‘0’ mark
• Hold the end of the bar scale and and release the end of the bar.
place the big red weight on the slider. • If the scale is balanced the bar will be
horizontal to the floor.
Slider
Big red
weight
Basket
This is balanced!
25
• If the scale is not balanced, the bar will be tilting upwards or downwards when the Slider is at ‘0’.
• Remember the basket or sling must be on the hook while balancing the scale.
This is not balanced This is not balanced

The next picture tells you how to correct this problem.
• If the bar is not horizontal or balanced when the slider is at the ‘O’ mark, use the screw
driver to loosen the big screw in the centre of the counterweight.
Counter weight Slider
Screwdriver
(PHILIPS
HEAD) Big red weight
• Move the counter weight either left if

the bar tilts downwards or right if it tilts
upwards (with the slider at ‘0’) until the
bar is horizontal.
• Then tighten the screw, without disturbing
the position of the counter weight.
• Reconfirm that the bar is horizontal, after
the screw is tightened.
26
PICTURE 3.13: READING THE SCALE
Both bar scales are divided from 0 to 10 kilograms.
a) Bar scale with 50 gm Divisions
Big line = 1 kg (1000 gram)

Medium line = 250 gram
Small line = 50 gram
b) Bar scale with 100 gm Divisions
Big lines = 500 gm

Small lines = 100 gm
PICTURE 3.14: PUTTING THE CHILD IN THE BASKET
Take the basket off the scale.

Involve the mother in the weighing of her child.
Help the mother place the child in the basket.
Hold the child securely under the seat and lift towards the scale placing the strap on the hook.
Hold the bar securely so it does not move and injure the child.
27
PICTURE 3.15: WEIGHING A CHILD
• Use your left hand to move the

slider (with the big red weight on
it) until the bar is balanced, and is
horizontal to the floor.
• Be careful the bar does not fall and
injure the child.
• Now remove your hands and read
the child’s weight.
PICTURE 3.16: WEIGHING AN INFANT
• If you use an infant sling, make sure the scale is balanced at the ‘0’ mark, with the infant sling
on the hook
• Place the infant in the sling and proceed to weigh the child
28
PICTURE 3.17: READING THE WEIGHT OF THE CHILD
Bar scale with 50 gm divisions
kg gm
8 big lines 8 000
1 medium line 250
1 short line 50
Total 8 300
Bar scale with 100 gm Divisions
kg gms.
8 medium lines 8 000
3 short line 250
(100 gm x 3) 50
Total 8 300
PICTURE 3.18: WEIGHING A CHILD WHO WEIGHS MORE THAN 10 KILGRAMS
• The child weighs more than 10 kg if the bar tilts upwards, when the slider and big red weight
is moved beyond 10 kg
• Place the small blue weight on the bracket at the end of the bar scale.
• Repeat the steps for weighing a child.
• To read the child’s weight read the number indicated by the needle on the slider and add 10
kg to it.
The scale is balanced. The needle points to 5 kg
kg grams
5 long lines 5 750
Small blue weight 10 000
Total 15 750
This child weighs 15.750 kg.
• To remove the child, move the slider back to zero,
• Hold the end of the bar and have the mother take the
basket off the hook,
• Then take the child out of the basket.
29
3.3 TARING SCALE (DIGITAL SCALE)
“Tared weighing” means that the scale can be re-set to zero (“tared”) with the person (mother)
just weighed still on it. Thus, a mother can stand on the scale, be weighed, and the scale tared.
While remaining on the scale, if she is given her child to hold, the child’s weight alone appears on
the scale. Tared weighing has two clear advantages:
• There is no need to subtract weights to determine the child’s weight alone (reducing the risk
of error).
• The child is likely to remain calm when held in the mother’s arms while being weighed.
• A taring scale is easy to use, and reliable. display Solar Panel
3.3.1 There are many types of scales currently in

use. The UNISCALE (made by UNICEF) has
the recommended features listed above and
is used to demonstrate weighing techniques.
It is powered by a lithium battery that is
good for a million measurement sessions.
The scale has a solar on-switch, and hence
it requires adequate lighting to function. It
may have footprints mark on the scale to
show where a person should stand. This
section will describe how to weigh a child
using the UNISCALE or a similar model
UNISCALE
(Pictures, 3.19-3.23).
PICTURE 3.19: A TARING WEIGHING SCALE
3.3.2 There are other type of scales that may be reliable, for example, an electronic baby scale,
or a paediatric beam balance that has been calibrated. Children who can stand alone can
be weighed directly by making them stand on the platform of the taring scale. Otherwise,
the mother can be weighed first; then the mother and child are weighed together and the
mother’s weight subtracted from the later to determine the child’s weight. Bathroom scales
should not be used as most often they are inaccurate and hence unreliable. Hanging scales
are also not reliable when weighing agitated babies.
3.3.3 PREPARATION FOR WEIGHING THE CHILD BY TARING SCALE
(a) If the child is less than 2 years old or is unable to stand, you do tared weighing. Explain
the tared weighing procedure to the mother as follows. Stress that the mother must stay on
the scale until her child has been weighed in her arms.
• Place the balance on a firm flat ground in adequate light. Pass the finger/foot on the solar
panel gently so that the balance gets activated and ‘0’ appears on the screen. Since the scale
is solar powered, there must be enough light to operate the scale.
30
• The mother will remove her shoes and step on the scale to be weighed alone first. She may
need to adjust her dress so that it will not cover the display and solar panel of the scale.
• After the mother’s weight appears on the display, tell her to remain still on the scale. Re-set the
reading to zero by covering the solar panel of the scale (thus blocking out the light).
• Then pass the child to mother to hold.
• Babies should be weighed with minimum clothes.
• The child’s weight will appear on the scale. Be careful to read the number in the correct order
(as though you were viewing while standing on the scale rather than upside-down).
• Record the child’s weight.
(b) If the child is 2 years or older and can stand still on the scale without support the weighing
can be done directly. Explain that the child will need to step on the scale alone and stand
very still.
• Explain the mother that child needs to remove outer clothing in order to obtain an accurate
weight before undressing the child. A wet diaper, or shoes and jeans, can weigh more than 0.5
kg. Wrap very young children in a blanket/towel to keep them warm until weighing is done.
Older children should remove all but wear minimal clothing, such as their underclothes.
• If it is too cold to undress a child, or if the child resists being undressed and becomes
agitated, you may weigh the clothed child, but note in the Growth Record that the
child was clothed. It is important to avoid upsetting the child so that the length/height
measurements can also be taken if needed. If it is socially unacceptable to undress
the child, remove as much of the clothing as possible.
REMEMBER:
IF A MOTHER IS VERY HEAVY (MORE THAN 100 KG) AND THE BABY’S WEIGHT IS RELATIVELY
LOW (LESS THAN 2.5 KG), THE BABY’S WEIGHT MAY NOT REGISTER ON THE SCALE. IN SUCH
CASES, HAVE A LIGHTER PERSON HOLD THE BABY ON THE SCALE.
31
Example
PICTURE 3.20: MOTHER’S PICTURE 3.21: TARING THE PICTURE 3.22: CHILD‘S
WEIGHT ALONE IN THE SCALE WEIGHT ON THE TARING
TARING SCALE SCALE
Bady's weight appears on

display
REMEMBER:
THE SCALE WEIGHS WITH A PRECISION TO THE NEAREST 0.1 KG. PRECISION DESCRIBES
THE SMALLEST EXACT UNIT THAT THE SCALE CAN MEASURE. THE ACCURACY OF THE
MEASUREMENTS, HOWEVER, IT DEPENDS ON WHETHER THE SCALE IS CALIBRATED.
(c) Weigh a child alone. If a child is 2 years old or older and can stand still alone on the scale,
weigh the child alone. Ask the mother to help the child remove shoes and outer clothing.
Talk with the child about the need to stand still. Communicate with the child in a sensitive,
non-frightening way.
• To turn on the scale, cover the solar panel for a second. When the number 0.0 appears, the
scale is ready.
• Ask the child to stand in the middle of the scale, feet slightly apart (on the footprints, if
marked), and to remain still until the weight appears on the display.
• Record the child’s weight to the nearest 0.1 kg.
REMEMBER:
IF THE CHILD KEEPS JUMPING ON THE SCALE OR WILL NOT STAND STABLE, YOU WILL
INSTEAD NEED TO USE THE TARED WEIGHING PROCEDURE.
32
PICTURE 3.23: A CHILD’ S WEIGHT

IS BEING RECORDED ON THE
WEIGHING MACHINE.
REMEMBER:
To weigh a child in Salter scale
• Hang the scale securely. The scale should not touch a wall or doorway.
• Scale should be at the worker’s eye level.
• Adjust the scale to zero with the basket, pants or sling on the lower hook, at the beginning of
each weighing session.
• Take the child’s weight with the minimum of clothing, without shoes.
• Read the weight to the nearest 100 gm
• Check the accuracy of the Salter (dial) weighing scale every month with a standard weight
(5 kg weight is recommended). You can borrow a standard weight from a shopkeeper in your
village, for the purpose.
33
EXERCISE-3
Practice the following individually or in small groups:
1. Identify the scale parts, and discuss how each scale works, and how to read the scale. Read
various weights 6.1, 6. 2, 17.8 etc. on the scale.
2. Practice hanging the scale securely, checking zero error and weighing inanimate objects like
books.
3. Practice weighing young children especially children from birth to 1 year, 1-2 years & 2-5
years. Practice until you are confident that you can weigh each child properly.
34
CHAPTER - IV
PLOTTING WEIGHT ON THE GROWTH CHART

1. describe the growth chart, by explaining the meaning of the vertical lines and the horizontal
lines, as well as identifying the three coloured zones representing nutritional grades;
2. describe and demonstrate how to properly -
a) fill in the information box on the growth chart;
b) fill in the birth month and year and write it in the first box of the age column;
c) fill in the intervening month and year columns up to five years of age;
3. demonstrate how to accurately plot weights to the nearest 100 gm; and
4. draw the growth curve by joining the plotted weights on the growth chart with a line.
Plotting Weight on the Growth Chart
WHAT IS A GROWTH CHART
We will now discuss the third step in growth monitoring, that is plotting the recorded weight
of the child to her/his growth chart.
4.1 Growth monitoring chart register is a part of the Mother & Child Protection (MCP) Card
Package, which also includes a Mother & Child Protection Card and a Guide Book. Growth
monitoring chart register is for recording the weight of children as per their age up to 5
years. The register contains weight-for-age growth charts based on new WHO Child Growth
Standards. As per the new Standards, there are separate growth charts for girls and boys, as
they have different weights and lengths beginning at birth and grow to different sizes related
to their age. The first half of the register has growth charts for girls with ‘pink border’ and the
second half is for boys with the ‘blue border’. Each set of charts is followed by pages marked
as “Index” for keeping the record of growth charts maintained in the register.
4.2 A growth curve is formed by joining the plotted points on a growth chart. Direction of the
growth curve indicates whether the child is growing or not and is more important than the
actual weight of the child at a given point of weighing. On each growth chart, there are 3
printed growth curves. These are called Reference Lines or Z Score Lines and are used to
compare and interpret the growth pattern of the child and assess her/his nutritional status.
The 1st top curve line on the growth chart i.e upper border of green band is the median
which is, generally speaking, the average. Second line is the junction of green and yellow
bands and 3rd line is the junction of yellow and orange bands. Weight of all normal and
healthy children, when plotted on the growth chart, fall above 2nd curve (green band);
weight of moderately underweight children fall below the 2nd curve to 3rd curve (yellow
band); and weight of severely underweight children fall below the 3rd curve (orange band).
4.3 Equipment and tools required for growth monitoring are weighing scale, Mother & Child
Protection Card (Annexure-II) and Growth Monitoring Chart Register. As already discussed,
growth chart is a tool for assessing and monitoring the growth of a child.
4.4 Picture 4.1(a) and 4.1(b) shows the new WHO growth chart used in the ICDS programme
for girls and boys respectively. Observe the growth charts carefully. On the extreme top
left observe a box. This is the information box where the child’s name, father’s and mother’s
name, family survey register number and weight at the time of birth are to be filled. Each
growth chart has two axes. The horizontal line at the bottom of the chart is the X Axis. This
is for recording the age of the child for five years and is called ‘month axis’. The vertical line
at the far left of the chart is the Y Axes. This is for recording the weight of the child from birth
onwards and is called ‘weight axis”. The horizontal lines from bottom to top of the growth
chart reflect the weights from 0 to 21 kg at 100 gm interval.
37
PICTURE 4.1(a): A NEW WHO GROWTH CHART FOR GIRLS
38
Picture 4.1 (b): A new WHO growth chart for boys
39
The vertical lines from left to right of the chart reflect age from 0 to 5 years at one month
interval. Look at the vertical line on the extreme left of the growth chart. Along this line
are weights written in kilograms, 1, 2, 3… 21 kg. The bold line in between the kilograms
indicates 500 grams and the thin line 100 grams. At the bottom of the growth chart are five
steps, each of which represents one year in the child’s life. Each step has been further sub-
divided into boxes to write the twelve months of the year. The first box on the extreme left
has a thick dark outline. This is for the birth month and year of the child.
4.5 As seen from the picture of the growth chart, the month axis has five steps representing 1-5
years. Each box contains 12 small squares representing 1-12 months i.e. each small square
represents 1 month. On the whole, ‘month axis’ of each growth chart has 60 squares and can
be used for a child up to 5 years or 60 months. Age is recorded in completed weeks/months/
years. It is recorded in completed weeks only for a child below 1 month. Small lines dividing
the first month into four weeks has been drawn in the first square which need to be drawn
upward while plotting weight depending on the completed week and weight of the child.
On the weight axis, lines are marked for recording weight in kilograms and grams. Each thick
extended line represents 1 kg each line extended from a small square represents 500 grams
and the very thin lines represent 100 grams. White rectangles below the ‘month axis’ are
for writing month and years as per the date of birth of the child. On each visit, weight of the
child taken is plotted, corresponding to the relevant rectangle.
4.6 USES OF THE GROWTH CHART
Growth monitoring and promotion of young children is an important responsibility of an

AWW. Growth monitoring means keeping a regular track of the growth and development of the
child with the help of key nutrition indicators related to their age like weight or height. Plotting the
child’s weight, taken every month or quarter, on the growth chart and joining these weight points
with a line to form the growth curve, makes the growth of the child visible. The growth curve is a
useful tool in many ways and enables AWW /Supervisor/CDPO/ANM/MO to:
• Detect early growth faltering and prevent underweight;

• Identify underweight children who need special care and feeding at home, in addition
to supplementary nutrition received at the AWC;
• Identify severely underweight children who need special care and feeding at home and
to provide referral advice, in addition to Micronutrient-fortified food/Energy-dense food
supplementation at the AWC;
40
• Identify causes of weight loss or lack of growth i.e., illnesses such as fever, diarrohea
and acute respiratory infection; inadequate or insufficient diet; mother’s illness; etc., and
take corrective and timely action; and
• Educate, counsel and support mothers and families for optimal nutrition, health care and
development of their children.
4.7 FILLING UP THE GROWTH CHART
Let us now learn how to fill up a growth chart. In the ICDS programme, the growth charts (Pink
and Blue) have been provided in the form of a register which has an index at the end of the growth
chart register. Pink growth charts are to be used for girls and the blue ones for boys.
Described below are steps in filling up a growth chart.
a. Filling up the index of growth charts

In the index of the growth chart register (as mentioned below), write down the name of the
child and other relevant information such as Serial No, Name of the Child, Date, Month and Year of
Birth D/M/Y, Birth Registration No. Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, Family Survey Registration No,
and Page No. of Growth Chart in GM Register.
Index of Growth Charts

Serial Name Date, Birth Father’s Mother’s Name Family Survey Page No.
of the Month Registration Name Registration of Growth
No Child and No. No Chart
Year of in GM
Birth Register
D/M/Y
Now, turn to an empty growth chart, and choose appropriate growth chart (Pink or Blue)
according to sex of the child.
b. Filling up the information box

Write down the required information in the information box on the growth chart i.e name of
the child, father’s name, mother’s name, family survey registration number and weight at the time
of birth.
c. Filling up the month and year column

Write the month and year during which the child was born in the first white rectangle at the
bottom of the first column from the left hand side e.g. Naveeda was born on 10 February 2009, you
will write February 2009 or 2/09 and 10th on the margin as shown in the picture 4.2 (a). However, it
is preferably to write only 2/09 for February 2009. In the subsequent boxes, you will write the month
and year in sequence i.e. March 2009 (3/09), April 2009 (4/09) and May 2009 (5/09), until you reach
the last small box in which you will write January 2014 (1/14).
41
Picture 4.2 (a): A new WHO growth chart for girls showing information
in the information box and month and year column
42
Picture 4.2 (b): A new WHO growth chart for boys showing information
in the information box and month and year column
43
REMEMBER :
THE CHILD’S BIRTH MONTH AND YEAR WILL BE WRITTEN IN THE FIRST THICKLY OUTLINED
BOX AND DATE OF BIRTH ON THE MARGIN.
4.8 PLOTTING WEIGHT ON THE GROWTH CHART
• Use pink border chart for girls and blue border chart for boys.
• Fill up the ‘Information Box’ on the left hand side of each Growth Chart before using it
[Picture 4.2 (a)].
• Do the plotting with help of a HB pencil.
• Write the month and year during which the child was born in the first white rectangle
at the bottom of the first column from the left hand side e.g. Naveeda was born on 10
February 2009, you will write February 2009 or 2/09 and 10th on the margin as shown
in the picture 4.2(a). However, it is preferably to write only 2/09 for February 2009. In
the subsequent boxes, you will write the month and year in sequence i.e. March 2009
(3/09), April 2009 (4/09) and May 2009 (5/09), until you reach the last small box in
which you will write January 2014 [Picture 4.2 (a)]. Plotting for 60th month i.e. February
2014 will be done on the last bold vertical lire.
• Identify the ‘month box’, which identifies the present age of the child in completed
weeks or months.
• Plotting has to be made at the junction of vertical line (not between vertical lines) of the
identified ‘month box’, and line corresponding to weight.
• Plotting has to be done on the lines for completed weeks/months. Weekly plotting will
be restricted to only intial Ist month from the birth and thereafter plotting will be done on
completed months. For example, when Naveeda was weighed on 9th day her weight was
plotted on the 1st week line and not between the lines for 2nd and 3rd weeks. Similarly,
when she was weighed at 6½ months old, weight of Naveeda was plotted on the line for
completed months i.e. 6 months and not between the lines for 6 and 7 months. While
calculating days in order to determine completed week, the day of birth of the child and
the day of weighing should be included for an example the age of Naveeda born on 10-
09-2009 and weighed on 18-09-2010 is 9 days and thus completing a week. Similarly,
in order to determine completed month, an easy way may be adopted for an example; a
child like Naveeda who has born on 10th September would complete her months on 9th
of every month. In case of a child born on 29th, 30th, 31st January would complete her
1st month on the last day of February (Picture 4.3) and 2nd month would be completed
one day before the date of birth ie 28, 29 and 30 respectively and calculation of the
completed months will be done in the preceding months accordingly. The child born on
1st of any month would complete her month on the last day of respective month and so
on during all the years.
• For plotting on completed weeks, small lines drawn in the birth month need to be
followed/extended upward vertically (Picture 4.3) till the plotting of actual weight of the
child.
44
• Identify the horizontal line which indicates the present weight of the child to the
nearest 0.1 kg e.g. 6.2 kg.
• Follow this horizontal line on the ‘weight axis’ towards right to the point where it
intersects with the line which is extended from the vertical line from the ‘month box’
indicating the present age of the child.
• Write the weight taken to the nearest 100 grams below the ‘month box’, which
indicates the present age of the child.
• Put a dot on the line where the two lines intersect. Draw a circle around the dot, so
as to know the position of the plotted point for weight-for-age.
• Do not plot any point in the space between the two vertical lines on a Growth
Chart.
• Record weight-for-age of the child by plotting a point on the Growth Chart, each
time she/he is weighed.
• Connect the points plotted for two or more months/weight, with a straight line to
form the Growth Curve and observe trends (Picture 4.4).
• Whenever there is a gap in monthly weighing or no information available about
weight then that gap in growth chart needs to be joined with a dotted line (Picture
4.4).
4.8.1 During discussions held with State Government Officials as well as trainers and ICDS
functionaries, the issue of writing day of weighing in the growth chart for proper growth
monitoring of children emerged. It may be clarified that state is free to do this modification in
the growth chart. It may be also mentioned that if any State Government wants to make any
modification/ innovation in respect of the new growth chart, they may do so but the same
needs to be communicated to NIPCCD for wider dissemination.
REMEMBER:
THE WEIGHT SHOULD BE PLOTTED AT THE INTERSECTION OF TWO LINES (WEIGHT LINE
AND AGE LINE) AGAINST THE MONTH AND YEAR IN WHICH THE WEIGHT WAS TAKEN.
WRITE THE WEIGHT BELOW THE BOX OF THAT MONTH. JOIN THE PLOTTED WEIGHTS TO
MAKE THE GROWTH CURVE.
REMEMBER:
By plotting weight on the growth chart it:
• PROVIDES A VISUAL RECORD OF THE GROWTH PATTERN OF A CHILD.
• ACTS AS A TOOL/AID FOR HEALTH AND NUTRITION EDUCATION TO MOTHERS.
• DETECTS GROWTH FALTERING AND WEIGHT LOSS IN ITS EARLY STAGES.
• DETERMINES THE GRADE OF WEIGHT OF CHILD.
• IDENTIFIES BENEFICIARIES FOR SUPPLEMENTARY NUTRITION.
45
Picture 4.3: A new WHO growth chart showing plotting of weight
46
Picture 4.4: A new WHO growth chart showing a growth curve and
dotted line
47
EXERCISE-4
Fill in the blanks
The steps in filling the growth chart are
(i) In the _______________ of the growth chart register fill in _______________.
(ii) Fill in the _______________ on the growth Chart according to sex of child.
(iii) Find out the Child’s ______________________________________________________
(iv) The _______________ month and year goes in the _______________ monthly box, along the
bottom of the chart.
(v) Fill in all ________________________________________________ columns through 5 years.
(vi) Weigh the child _______________ .
(vii) Plot the ___________________________________________________________ correctly by :
a) placing a dot on the _______________ of the X (completed months) and Y (Weight)

axis.
b) _______________ the dot to make it visible.
c) Use a _______________ to avoid a messy chart.
(viii) Connect the monthly weighing with a _______________ so that these lines become the
_______________ curve.
Check your answers from Annexure - V.
portion once again.
48
EXERCISE-5
(A) Fill in the information box of the growth chart based on the following information :
Name Tanya
Father’s Name Dinesh
Mother’s Name Suman
Family Survey Registration No. 344
Weight at the time of Birth 3.5 kg
(B) To find out the correct birth month of Tanya, you asked Suman when Tanya was
born. She said one week after Republic Day in 2006.
1) What month and year was Tanya born in?
2) How did you know?
(C) Which colour chart you will select for Tanya?
(D) Fill in the birth month and year in the first box.
(E) Fill in each box with subsequent months for 5 years.
(F) How old is Tanya (in completed years and month)

1) On 6th December 2008
2) On 1st October 2009
portion once again.
49
BLANK GROWTH CHART FOR TANYA (EXERCISE 5)
50
EXERCISE 6
On 26th of February 2009, Jenny gave birth to a baby girl Jancy. AWW goes to Jenny’s house
same day and weighed the child. She was 2.5 kg.
(A) Child name Jancy

Mother’s name Jenny
Father’s name John
Family Registration 72
(B) Calculate the age of the Jancy (in days/completed weeks) and plot these weights on growth
chart of Jancy. Jancy’s weight on subsequent days were
Date of weighing Weight Age of child (in days/completed weeks

as on day of weighing)
(i) 2nd March’ 09 2.6 kg -----------
(ii) 4th March’ 09 2.6 kg ------------
(iii) 6th March’ 09 2.7 kg ------------
(iv) 13th March’ 09 2.9 kg ------------
(v) 20th March’ 09 3.1 kg ------------
(C) Comment on the trend of curve.
portion once again.
51
Blank growth chart for Jancy (Exercise 6)
52
EXERCISE-7
(A) Rekha came to your village in mid April 2006. You immediately went to meet her. Since
Rekha is getting ready to go out, you invited her to come to the AWC with her son, Aashish.
The next day, Rekha comes to the AWC. You enquire about her family members and tell her
that you want to start a Growth chart for her son, Aashish. Her husband’s name is Sudarshan.
The family registration no. is 48.
1) Fill in the information box of the growth chart.
(B) When you asked Rekha how old her son was, she said he was one year old. How would you
find his month of birth?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
(C) When you asked her, Rekha said he was born fifteen days before Holi was celebrated last
year.
1) What month and year was that and how did you find out? Please indicate the date of
birth also.
__________________________________________________________________________
2) Which colour chart you will choose to fill ____________________________
3) Fill in the monthly boxes of the growth chart for 5 years.
4) How old is Aashish on 14 April 2006 (in completed years and months)?
__________________________________________________________________________
5) What would have happened if you took the information that Aashish was one year old
and put his birth month as April 2005 and date 15th April.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
(D) Aashish was weighed at the AWC on 14th April 2006. He weighed 7 kg.
1) Plot this weight on his growth chart by placing a dot where 7 kg and one year and one
month on X axis intersect.
(E) Aashish’s weight on 10 May 2006 was 7.4 kg. Plot this weight on the growth chart. Connect
the weight plotted in April and May with a line.
(F) Aashish’s weight on 13 June 2006 was 7.8 kg. Plot this weight on the growth chart. Connect
the weight plotted in May and June.

portion once again.
53
BLANK GROWTH CHART FOR AASHISH (EXERCISE 7)
54
CHAPTER - V
INTERPRETING GROWTH CURVE

1. recognise and describe a healthy upward growth curve; recognise and describe a faltering
growth curve; recognise and describe a declining growth curve;
2. describe why the growth curve is the more important indicator of a child’s current health
than his weight grade;
3. identify children who need prompt attention using both growth curve and weight grade
information; and
4. to understand the clinical signs.

Interpreting Growth Curve
After plotting weight and joining dots (points) on the growth chart to form a growth curve,
interpreting or reading the growth curve is the fourth step in growth monitoring.
INTERPRETING GROWTH CURVE
When weight points plotted at different intervals are joined with a line, we get a Growth
Curve. Depending on the pattern of monthly growth of a child, the direction of the growth curve
may be upward, flat or downward. An upward growth curve indicates that the child is healthy,
gaining weight and is growing. However, it is not only an upward curve which is important, but also
a healthy upward curve, as a result of adequate weight gain each month. Whenever the weight gain
is not sufficient as per the age of the child, then the growth curve is either flat or downward.
5.1 STEPS IN INTERPRETATION OF GROWTH CURVE
• Plotted point for weight-for-age helps in assessing the nutritional status of the child.
• Note the position of the plotted point with reference to printed Growth Curves.
• Interpret the position of the plotted points to identify normal growth or growth
problems.
• If plotted weight of a child falls much above the 1st curve, the child has a growth problem,
which can be overweight or obesity. This is better assessed from other indicators. Refer
the child to the health centre.
• If plotted weight-for-age of a child falls exactly on the 1st or 2nd or 3rd printed growth
curve line, then the child is in the less severe category of under weight e.g. plotted
point on the 2nd curve line indicates that the child’s growth is normal and she/he is
not moderately underweight, where as plotted point below the 2nd curve line indicates
that the child is moderately underweight. Similarly, plotted point on the 3rd curve
line indicates that the child is moderately underweight and she/he is not severely
underweight, whereas plotted point below the 3rd curve line indicates that the child is
severely underweight.
• If plotted weight-for-age of a child falls on the green band, then the child’s growth is
normal; if it falls on the yellow band, child is moderately underweight, and if the plotted
weight is on the orange band, the child is severely underweight.
• Assess the nutritional status of the child as per the plotted weight-for-age, as given in the
box below.
Position of the Plotted Point Nutritional Status

Plotted point is
Exactly on or just above the Ist curve(or)
Between the 1st & 2nd curve Child’s growth is normal
Exactly on the 2nd curve
Plotted point is:
Between 2nd & 3rd curve
Exactly on the 3rd curve Child is moderately underweight
Plotted point is below the 3rd curve Child is severely underweight
57
5.2 INTERPRETING GROWTH CURVE OF CHILDREN WITH CLINICAL SIGNS
Observe the child and note clinical signs. It may be mentioned that weight of children with
clinical signs would be plotted and indicated clearly on the growth chart (close to the plotted point)
about child’s clinical sign.
5.2.1 If a child is severely underweight, clinical signs of marasmus or kwashiorkor may be

observed. It is important to recognise signs of marasmus and kwashiorkor since they require
urgent specialized care that may include special feeding, careful monitoring, medicines,
etc. Regardless of their weight, children with these syndromes should be referred for urgent
medical care.
5.2.2 Marasmus (non-oedematous malnutrition): In this form of severe underweight, the child is
extremely wasted and has the appearance of skinny and bony structure due to loss of muscle
and fatty tissue. The child’s face looks like an old man’s following loss of facial subcutaneous
fat, but the eyes may be alert. The rib markings can be easily seen. There will be folds of skin
on the buttocks and thighs that make it look as if the child is wearing baggy pants (Picture
5.1). Weight-for-age is likely to be very low.
PICTURE 5.1: A MARASMIC CHILD
58
5.2.3 Kwashiorkor (oedematous malnutrition): In this form of severe underweight, the child’s
muscles are wasted, but the wasting may not be apparent due to generalised oedema
(swelling from excess fluid in the tissues), a cardinal sign. The child is withdrawn, irritable,
sick and will not eat. The face is round (because of oedema) and the hair is thin, sparse and
sometimes discoloured. The skin has symmetrical discoloured patches where the skin later
cracks and peels off. A child with kwashiorkor will usually be underweight, but the oedema
may mask the true weight (Picture 5.2).
PICTURE 5.2: A CHILD WITH KWASHIORKOR
59
5.2.4 Marasmic Kwashiorkor: A condition where a marasmic child is having oedema is called
as marasmic kwashiorkor. The child’s upper body is wasted, but the lower limbs are swollen
with oedema. If an undernourished child has oedema, he must be a kwashiorkor (or)
marasmic kwashiorkor child. Oedema of both feet is a sign that a child needs referral. If the
swelling is in only one foot, it may just be a sore or infected foot. To check for oedema, grasp
the foot so that it rests in your hand with your thumb on top of the foot. Press your thumb
gently for a few seconds. The child has oedema if a pit (dent) remains in the foot when you
lift your thumb. Picture 5.3 shows oedema of both feet. A child with oedema of both feet
is automatically considered severely underweight, regardless of what the scale shows. The
weight will be more due to fluid retention. Plot this child’s weight-for-age, but mark clearly
on the growth chart (close to the plotted point) that the child has oedema (Picture 5.4). This
child is automatically considered severely underweight and should be referred to health
centre.
PICTURE 5.3: A CHILD WITH OEDEMA OF BOTH FEET
60
PICTURE 5.4: GROWTH CHART OF CHILDREN WITH CLINICAL SIGNS
5.2.5 Other Clinical Signs
PICTURE 5.5 (A): A NORMAL EYE
61
PICTURE 5.5 (B): BITOT SPOT IN EYES (VITAMIN-A DEFICIENCY)
PICTURE 5.5 (C): HEALED BITOT SPOT IN EYE
PICTURE 5.6(A): SPOON-SHAPED NAILS WITH IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA
62
PICTURE 5.6 (B): NAILS WITH IRON DEFICIENCY
PICTURE 5.6(C): PALE TONGUE (ANAEMIA)
63
PICTURE 5.7(A): PERSONS WITH IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS (GOITRE)
PICTURE 5.7(B): PERSONS WITH IODINE DEFICIENCY (CRETINISM)
64
PICTURE 5.8 (A): A CHILD WITH VITAMIN-D

DEFICIENCY (RICKETS)
PICTURE 5.8 (B): SIGNS OF RICKETS
65
PICTURE 5.9 (A): ANGULAR STOMATITIS (RIBOFLAVIN DEFICIENCY)
PICTURE 5.9 (B): GLOSSITIS (RIBOFLAVIN DEFICIENCY)

GEOGRAPHIC TONGUE
REMEMBER:
IF A CHILD HAS MARASMUS, KWASHIORKOR, OEDEMA FEET OR ANY OTHER CLINICAL SIGNS, NOTE
THESE OBSERVATIONS IN THE GROWTH CHART AND REFER THE CHILD FOR MEDICAL CARE.
66
5.3 DIRECTION OF CHILD’S GROWTH CURVE
 Direction of the growth curve helps in determining the growth pattern of a child.
 It is very important to consider the child’s whole situation while assessing the growth
pattern.
 Interpreting trends on the growth chart or the growth pattern will indicate whether a
child is growing normally, has a growth problem, or is at risk of a growth problem.
 The growth curve of a normally growing child usually follows a track that is roughly
parallel to the 1ST or 2nd printed curve lines. The track may be below the 1st curve line
or above the 1ST or 2nd curve line.
 Note the direction of the growth curve of the child, which can be upward, flat or
downward (Picture 5.10).
• If the growth curve of a child is moving upward, it is considered good.
• If the growth curve of a child is flat, it is considered dangerous.
• If the growth curve of a child is moving downward, it is considered very dangerous.
Interpret growth pattern of the child as per the direction of the growth curve which can be
good, dangerous or very dangerous as given in Picture 5.10.
PICTURE 5.10 DIRECTION OF GROWTH CURVE
Good UPWARD CURVE
Dangerous FLAT CURVE
Very dangerous DOWNWARD
Direction of Growth Growth Pattern

Curves
Upward Growth Curve Good
Indicates adequate weight gain for the age of the child. The child is growing
well and is healthy.
Flat Growth Curve Dangerous
Indicates that the child has not gained weight and is not growing adequately.
This is called stagnation. The child needs attention by the mother and the
AWW. This needs to be investigated.
Downward Growth Curve Very dangerous
Indicates loss of weight. The child requires immediate referral and health care.
67
5.4 GROWTH PROBLEMS
Growth problems or risk can be interpreted from the child’s growth curve for the following
situations:
i) Child’s growth curve is far above the first curve line

Child may have a growth problem. This is better assessed from other nutrition indicators
at the health centre. However, it may be mentioned that a tentative principle has been
followed to understand the growth curve above the green band that is a hypothetical
line dividing green band into two equal parts may be drawn and one of the two equal
parts may be pasted above the green band and the children whose plotting falls between
this hypothetical line and the real green zone need not to be referred to health centre.
However, children whose plotting falls above the hypothetical line actually have growth
problem and need to be referred to health centre.
ii) Child’s growth curve is far below the third curve line
Child may be severely underweight and she/he needs urgent specialised medical care.
iii) Any quick change or sharp incline or decline in the child’s growth curve
When child’s growth curve goes upward or downward from its normal track, this needs
to be investigated to determine the cause and remedy of the problem.
iv) Child’s growth curve crosses a printed curve line
If a child’s growth curve crosses a printed curve – either from above or below, it means
there has been a significant change in the child’s growth. This may indicate a good
change or risk. An AWW can interpret it based on from where (relative to the 1st curve
line) the change in the curve began and the rate of change as given below:
• If the shift is towards the 1st curve (green), this is probably a good change.
• If the child’s growth curve line stays close to the 1st curve, occasionally crossing
above and below it, this is fine.
• If the shift is towards 2nd curve (yellow) or 3rd curve (orange) this indicates a problem
or risk of a problem. If it is noticed on time, it may be possible to intervene early and
prevent a problem.
v) Child’s growth curve remains flat
Child may have a growth problem if there is no gain in weight as the age increases. This is
called stagnation. This needs to be investigated if the condition remains so consecutively
for 2-3 months.
5.5 SOME EXAMPLES OF INTERPRETATION
A closer look at the growth curve of Ruchi (Picture 5.11) will show that she had a steady weight
gain, 800-400 grams per month from September 2009 to January 2010. This weight gain is adequate
for her age (weight gain at different ages was discussed in Chapter I). Between January 2010 and
68
Picture 5.11: Growth chart of Ruchi
69
March 2010, the weight gain was about 200-100 grams per month. Since there was some weight
gain during this period, the direction of the growth curve is upward. However, the weight gain is
not sufficient for her age. The AWW should find out reasons for slow growth during this period. The
growth curve between January and March is not a healthy upward curve. Therefore, it is not only an
upward curve which is important, but also a healthy upward curve, as a result of adequate weight gain
each month.
REMEMBER:
DIRECTION OF THE GROWTH CURVE TELLS YOU WHETHER THE CHILD IS GROWING OR
NOT. AN UPWARD GROWTH CURVE, SHOWING ADEQUATE WEIGHT GAIN FOR THE AGE OF
THE CHILD, INDICATES THAT THE CHILD IS GROWING AND IS HEALTHY.
5.5.1 Picture 5.12 shows the growth chart of Anupam. From the growth curve of Anupam, it can
be seen that from March to July 2009 there was a steady weight gain and the direction of the
curve is upward. However, after July 2009, the direction of the growth curve is flat. A flat
growth curve indicates that the child has not gained weight in that period, which indicates
no growth or growth faltering. If a child does not gain weight for one or two months, she may
not show any signs of ill health and may look the same. However, a faltering growth curve is
an indication that there is something wrong with the child. Prompt action by the AWW and
the mother is required to ensure healthy growth in the child.
5.5.2 Picture 5.13 shows the growth chart of Shalu. The growth chart shows that Shalu has been
growing very well from March to June 2009. The direction of the growth curve is upward.
After June 2009 and up to October 2009, the direction of the growth curve is upward but
the rate of growth has slowed down. After October 2009 till January 2010, the direction of
the growth curve is downwards. A downward growth curve indicates that the child has lost
weight which is a matter of great concern. It usually represents sick child or one who has
had some recent illness. It is important that the Anganwadi Worker finds out why the child is
losing weight and takes appropriate action. Often, the child is sick and will require medical
care as well as more food and improved overall care at home. A child with a downward
growth curve is particularly in need of attention and close follow-up through home visits
during the months ahead.
REMEMBER :
A FLAT GROWTH CURVE INDICATES NO WEIGHT GAIN, WHICH IS NOT GOOD AND REQUIRES ATTENTION
BY THE AWW AND MOTHER. A DOWNWARD GROWTH CURVE INDICATES LOSS OF WEIGHT WHICH IS
VERY DANGEROUS. THIS REQUIRES PROMPT ATTENTION BY AWW AND MOTHER.
70
Picture 5.12: Growth chart of Anupam
71
Picture 5.13: Growth chart of Shalu
72
If a child is in yellow or orange band, this means that she is lighter than other healthy children
of her age. This may be due to a number of reasons that may have occurred during her early years
of life time, such as being born with a low birth weight, having a period of illness, introducing solid
foods too late, or simply not eating enough food. But, if this child, who is in any band below normal,
is gaining adequate weight each month as shown by her growth curve going in an upward direction,
then, we know this child is growing well. Picture 5.11 shows the growth chart of Ruchi, who is
moderately underweight, but she is growing normally from September 2009 to December 2009.
Even though smaller than other children of her age, her weight shows a healthy upward curve. She
is growing and is likely to become healthy. All efforts are needed so that she is in green zone. The
weight gain is also important like the grade of weight.
5.6.1 If a child is in the “normal” weight band, but not gaining adequate weight each month,
it means that she is not growing. Picture 5.14 shows the growth chart of Merry. Although
Merry is in normal grade, she is not growing well after July 2009. The Anganwadi Worker
should have taken prompt action in August 2009 to promote normal growth and to prevent
the child from becoming underweight. A child, who is not gaining weight every month, no
matter what weight grade, needs attention. If the mother takes immediate action whenever
her child has faltering or declining growth, the child will not become underweight. On the
other hand, if the child is in a low weight grade but, under the guidance and encouragement
of the AWW, continues to have a rising growth curve, the child is doing well. Even though
smaller than other children of her age, she is growing and is healthy.
5.6.2 Whether the child has gained weight or has not gained weight, what mothers can do to
promote growth should be the major focus while discussing the growth of children with their
mothers each month. This point is discussed in detail in the next chapter.
REMEMBER:
THOUGH THE GRADE OF CHILD IS IMPORTANT BUT IT IS THE WEIGHT GAIN EACH MONTH
WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT.
73
Picture 5.14: Growth chart of Merry
74
EXERCISE-8
Complete exercises 8 and 9. These exercises will give you practice in filling up a growth chart,
plotting weight and in identifying an upward healthy curve, a flat curve and a downward curve.
(A) Lakshmi has given birth to a baby-boy. You visited Lakshmi in the second week of August
2007 about 4-5 days after the baby was born on 7 August 2007. Lakshmi and Daya Singh
have named their son Ram. The family registration number is 44.
1) Fill in the information box of Ram’s growth chart.
2) What month and year was Ram born in ?
3) Record date of Birth also
4) Fill in the monthly boxes of the growth chart for five years.
5) You explained to Lakshmi the importance of weighing her baby and asked her permission
to do so. The baby weighed 3.2 kg. Plot this weight on the growth chart.
(B) During your next home visit in mid September 2007, you weighed Ram. He weighed 3.9
kgs.
1) Plot this weight on his growth chart.
2) Draw a line to connect the two weight points.
(C) In the following month, October, 2007, Lakshmi came to the Anganwadi on 10th day to
weigh Ram. He weighed 4.5 kgs.
2) Draw a line to connect the weight plotted in August and the weights plotted in September
and October. The line is Ram’s growth curve.
3) What is the direction of the growth curve ?
4) How much weight has Ram gained between September – October’2007. Is this sufficient ?
(D) On 7th November, 2007 Ram weighed 4.8 kg and on 11th December 2007 Ram weighed
5.3 kg.
1) Plot this weight on the growth chart.
2) What is the grade of Ram’s growth curve ?
4) Is this good ?
portion once again.
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BLANK GROWTH CHART FOR RAM (EXERCISE 8)
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EXERCISE-9
(A) Jeevan Lal was born at his grandmothers village. His mother, Sarita, came back to her
village with Jeevan Lal in early September 2007. You went to her house immediately. After
congratulating Sarita and her husband Pratap Chand, you asked them when Jeevan Lal was
born. They said he was born 32 days back on 2nd August 2007. They also showed you the
papers from the PHC. From these, you confirmed the date of birth. His family registration no.
is 48.
1) Fill in Jeevan Lal’s growth chart
(B) During this visit, you weighed Jeevan Lal. He weighed 4.3 kg.
(C) Sarita did not bring Jeevan Lal to the Anganwadi during September for the weighing session.
So, you made a home visit on 5 October and weighed him. Jeevan Lal again weighed 4.3
kg.
2) Draw a line to connect the two points.
3) What do we call the line formed by connecting the two points ?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
5) Is this good, not good or dangerous ? Why ?
__________________________________________________________________________
6) What grade is Jeevan Lal in ?
__________________________________________________________________________
7) Jeevan Lal is in the normal grade. What does the growth curve indicate ?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
(D) On 2nd November, Sarita brought Jeevan Lal to be weighed. He weighed 4.2 kg.
1) Plot this weight on the growth chart.
2) Connect this point with the others ?
3) What is the direction of the growth curve since September ?
__________________________________________________________________________
4) Is this good ? Not good or dangerous ?
__________________________________________________________________________
portion once again.
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BLANK GROWTH CHART FOR JEEVAN LAL (EXERCISE 9)
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CHAPTER - VI
DISCUSSING THE CHILD’S GROWTH AND FOLLOW - UP AC-

TION WITH THE MOTHER
1. explain the growth curve to the mother;
2. describe how listening to the mother is beneficial in determining what has caused normal
growth or lack of growth in the child during the past month(s);
3. explain some of the problems which may cause faltering or declining growth in a child;
4. demonstrate what and how to advise a mother on appropriate action depending on the age
of the child, the duration of no weight gain or weight loss and the various possible causes of
growth faltering in the child;
5. describe when to refer the child for further assistance to the health worker;
6. explain which child should receive food supplements in the ICDS programme and why;
and
7. describe which child should receive a home visit during the month and what will be discussed
with the mother about the child during that month.
Discussing the Child’s Growth and Follow-up Action with the Mother
DISCUSSING THE CHILD’S GROWTH WITH THE MOTHER

Now, we are ready to discuss the most important step in growth monitoring: using the growth
curve information of each child to give specific advice to mothers to make sure their children keep
growing normally. The growth trend of the child should be discussed with the mother every month
immediately after weighing.
6.1 The FIRST STEP in giving specific advice to mothers is to observe the growth curve of the
child and determine the growth trend. See if the child has gained adequate weight, not
gained weight or lost weight, as compared to the previous month’s weight. The growth chart
should be shown to the mother and growth trend discussed with her: whether the child is
growing normally or not.
6.2 The SECOND STEP is to ask the mother what has been happening to the child during the last
month to make her child’s growth pattern happen that way. Too often, we start telling the
mother what to do without listening to her and finding out the reasons why the child is not
growing. We must remember that the mother knows the most about her child, and she is the
person who can make the changes to improve the child’s growth. LISTEN carefully to what
the mother has to tell you about what the child has been eating and how much, if the child
has been sick, if there has been any other problem.
6.3 The THIRD STEP is to discuss with the mother specific action(s) she can take to promote her
child’s growth. This will depend on what the mother tells you, the trend of the growth curve
and the age of the child.
6.4 DISCUSSING SPECIFIC ACTION WITH MOTHERS
The specific action each mother should take to promote her child’s growth will differ,
depending on the age of the child, and his/her growth trend if the child has been growing normally
or not. AWW must learn how to give advice that is appropriate and that the mother can understand
easily and implement.
6.4.1 If the child’s growth curve has been rising, show the growth curve to the mother and appreciate
the mother that this is good and ASK her what has happened during the past months which
has made the child’s growth so good. LISTEN carefully to the mother. She may give you many
practical ideas and suggestions which have made her child grow normally. These ideas can
then be used to advise other mothers in the AWC in the same village who may benefit from
the advice of their successful friends. Tell the mother, whose child is growing well, that she
should be proud of herself, that her actions have been successful and she should continue
them. Learn from these mothers and encourage them to share their child-rearing practices
with others.
6.4.2 If the child’s growth curve is flat or downwards, explain the growth curve to the mother and
point out to mother that the child’s GROWTH is a source of concern and ask her what has
happened to the child in the last month. LISTEN carefully. Many different reasons can cause
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poor growth. You must find the reason(s), which caused poor growth in this child at this very
time. The mother may give the following reasons:
i) Episodes of illness, such as fever, cough, cold, measles, malaria, diarrhoea etc;
ii) Child’s unwillingness to eat anything;
iii) Inability to introduce complementary food due to lack of understanding of the child’s
nutritional requirements, customs and, beliefs or refusal of food by the child; and
iv) Abrupt discontinuation of breast milk without introduction of complementary food due to
second pregnancy.
6.4.3 While discussing these issues with the mother, the AWW may realise that the mother has
a busy work schedule due to which she is not able to pay adequate attention to the child’s
feeding and health. If the mother describes an illness, ask what she did for the child. Ask if she
continued feeding during illness and if she gave the child extra food to eat when the illness
was over. See if she took action to get proper treatment for the child’s illness. For example, if
the child had diarrhoea, ask if she gave the child adequate fluids to drink to treat the child’s
fluid losses. Make sure that she understands how to make and use oral rehydration solution
and recognise the importance of continued breast/colostrum feeding even while the child
is sick. If she has withheld food during illness, explain to her, by showing the line on the
growth chart, how this has caused the child’s growth to falter or go downward. Encourage
her to feed the child extra food everyday over the next month to recover this lost growth.
6.4.4 If the child has not been sick, you have to ask the mother how often she feeds the child and
what food she gives the child. The kind and the amount of food vary, depending on the age
of the child.
6.4.5 The step wise basic principle to be followed in discussing child’s growth with mother are as
stated below.
• Asking the mother important questions and listening to her responses.
• Praising her when appropriate.
• Advising the mother, using simple language, and giving only relevant advice.
• Checking understanding to ensure that mother has understood the advice.
• Follow-up with mother to ensure and strengthen implementation of advice.
REMEMBER :
TO DISCUSS THE GROWTH OF THE CHILD WITH THE MOTHER
• DETERMINE THE TREND OF THE GROWTH CURVE.
• SHOW THE GROWTH CHART TO THE MOTHER.
• ASK WHAT SHE DOES.
• LISTEN TO THE MOTHER TO FIND OUT WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE CHILD.
• DISCUSS WITH HER SPECIFIC ACTION(S) WHICH SHE CAN TAKE TO PROMOTE GROWTH.
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6.5 GIVING AGE SPECIFIC ADVICE TO THE MOTHER
The advice to the mothers of children of different ages differs. For a three months old child,
the focus should on exclusive breastfeeding, mother’s diet and frequency of breast feeding and
immunisation. For a child of more than 6 months old, the focus shifts to introducing mashed, semi-
solid foods, continued breastfeeding, gradually increasing the quantity of food etc. For a 9-11
months child, the emphasis is on gradually increasing the quantity, and introducing variety of foods,
which need not be mashed.
6.5.1 A one or two year old child has to eat half as much as an adult in the house eats; instead of
feeding the child 2-3 meals, let him eat 5-6 times a day. Make suggestions about different
foods the mother can use, that are cheap and locally available. Remember to give only
relevant advice to the mother for her child.
6.5.2 Given below are points you should discuss with the mothers of children at different age
periods.
POINTS TO DISCUSS WITH THE MOTHER OF A NEW BORN BABY – 2 MONTHS OLD
CHILD
• PUT THE CHILD TO BREAST AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, PREFERABLY WITHIN ONE HOUR OF
BIRTH
• FEED THE YELLOWISH FIRST MILK (COLOSTRUM) TO GIVE PROTECTION TO THE BABY
FROM DISEASES
• EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING FOR 6 MONTHS; DO NOT GIVE ANY OTHER FOOD OR DRINKS
AND NOT EVEN WATER
• FEED THE BREAST MILK WHENEVER THE CHILD WANTS IT, DURING DAY AND NIGHT
• BREASTFEED TILL THE CHILD IS SATISFIED AND THE CHILD STOPS SUCKING
• CONTINUE BREAST FEEDING EVEN IF THE CHILD IS SICK
PICTURE 6.1: A MOTHER BREASTFEEDSING HER CHILD
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• LACTATING MOTHER SHOULD DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS (WATER, SOUPS, TEA,

MILK, LASSI, ETC.)
• LACTATING MOTHER SHOULD EAT EXTRA FOOD – AN EXTRA SNACK / MEAL
PICTURE 6.2: A MOTHER EATING ADEQUATE FOOD
• GET THE CHILD BCG, DPT, POLIO IMMUNISATION
PICTURE 6.3: A BABY BEING GIVEN BCG IMMUNISATION
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• GET THE CHILD WEIGHED EVERY MONTH
PICTURE 6.4: A MOTHER GETTING HER CHILD WEIGHED
• KEEP THE BABY AND THE SURROUNDINGS CLEAN
PICTURE 6.5: A BABY WITH HIS MOTHER IN A NEAT & CLEAN HOUSE
POINTS TO DISCUSS WITH THE MOTHER OF A 3-6 MONTHS OLD CHILD

• EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFEED THE CHILD, NO OTHER LIQUID TO BE GIVEN TO THE
CHILD
• BREAST FEED 8-10 TIMES DURING DAY AND NIGHT
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• FEED TILL THE CHILD IS SATISFIED AND THE MOTHER FEELS THE BREASTS EMPTY
• CONTINUE BREASTFEEDING DURING ILLNESS
PICTURE 6.6: A MOTHER BREASTFEEDS HER CHILD
• DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS AND EAT MORE FOOD TO PRODUCE ENOUGH

MILK
• GIVE THE CHILD REMAINING DOSES OF DPT AND POLIO IMMUNISATION
PICTURE 6.7: A BABY GIVEN DPT IMMUNISATION
• GET THE CHILD WEIGHED EVERY MONTH

POINTS TO DISCUSS WITH THE MOTHER OF A 7-11 MONTHS OLD CHILD
• GIVE COMPLEMENTARY FOODS FOLLOWED BY BREAST FEEDING OR IN BETWEEN

BREAST FEEDS
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• MODIFY THE FOOD COOKED AT HOME BY: COOKING IT A LITTLE MORE, MASHING
IT, TAKING OUT A PORTION FOR THE BABY, BEFORE ADDING MASALA/ CHILLIES
• START WITH A SMALL QUANTITY OF FOOD, INCREASE THE QUANTITY SO THAT

CHILD TAKES HALF KATORI/CUP OF FOOD AT ONE TIME (SIZE OF KATORI/CUP
ABOUT 150 ML)
PICTURE 6.8: A MOTHER PREPARING COMPLEMENTARY FOOD FOR HER CHILD
• START SEMI-SOLID FOODS SINCE BREAST MILK ALONE CANNOT SUPPORT

ADEQUATE GROWTH AFTER SIX MONTHS
PICTURE 6.9: A MOTHER GIVING SEMI-SOLID FOOD TO HER CHILD
• INTRODUCE ONE NEW FOOD IN A DAY ESPECIALLY WHEN CHILD IS HUNGRY SO

CHANCES OF ACCEPTANCE ARE MORE
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• GIVE WELL COOKED MASHED FOODS LIKE POTATO, BANANA, PORRIDGE MADE
OF ANY CEREAL, MILK/WATER, SUGAR/JAGGERY, BREAD/CHAPATI/BHAKARY
SOAKED IN MILK OR CURRY OR VEGETABLES, DAL; THE FOOD SHOULD BE SOFT
BUT NOT WATERY
PICTURE 6.10: MASHED FOODS (POTATO, BANANA, PORRIDGE ETC.)
• THE CHILD AT THIS AGE PUTS EVERYTHING HE FINDS IN HIS MOUTH. THIS MAY
RESULT IN LOOSE STOOLS
PICTURE 6.11: A CHILD PUTTING SOMETHING IN HIS MOUTH WHICH MAY RESULT
IN LOOSE STOOLS
• LOOSE STOOLS ARE DUE TO INFECTION AND NOT DUE TO INTRODUCTION OF

SEMI-SOLID FOODS
• GIVE PLENTY OF FLUIDS IF CHILD PASSES LOOSE WATERY STOOLS
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PICTURE 6.12: A MOTHER GIVING PLENTY OF FLUIDS TO HER CHILD
• CHILD MAY REFUSE TO TAKE A NEW FOOD OR MAKE FUSS IN EATING. BE PATIENT
AND PERSISTANT. SOON, THE CHILD WILL GET ACCUSTOMED TO EATING IT
• DELAYED INTRODUCTION OF FOOD WILL AFFECT CHILD’S GROWTH AND
MOTHER WILL FIND IT DIFFICULT TO INTRODUCE SEMI-SOLID FOODS IF THE
CHILD HAS BEEN ONLY ON MILK FOR TOO LONG
• DO NOT ADD WATER TO COW’S OR BUFFALOE’S MILK
• CONTINUE TO EAT EXTRA FOOD AND DRINK MORE LIQUIDS DURING
LACTATION
• GIVE THE CHILD ONE DOSE OF MEASLES IMMUNISATION ALONG WITH VITAMIN
A SUPPLEMENTATION
• DO NOT USE BOTTLE TO FEED MILK/WATER. IT IS DIFFICULT TO CLEAN IT AND
OFTEN RESULTS IN INFECTION. SO USE A KATORI AND SPOON
PICTURE 6.13: NOT USING BOTTLE TO FEED MILK/WATER TO THE CHILD
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POINTS TO DISCUSS WITH THE MOTHER OF 1-2 YEARS OLD CHILD

• CHILD AT ONE YEAR SHOULD START EATING THE FAMILY FOOD
• CONTINUE TO OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF FOODS INCLUDING FAMILY FOODS
SUCH AS RICE, CHAPATTI, DARK GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES, ORANGE AND
YELLOW FRUITS, PULSES AND MILK PRODUCTS
• CHILD SHOULD EAT HALF AS MUCH AS AN ADULT IN THE FAMILY
• FEED THE CHILD ABOUT 5 TIMES A DAY
• FEED FROM SEPARATE BOWL AND MONITOR HOW MUCH THE CHILD EATS
• SIT WITH THE CHILD AND HELP HER FINISH THE SERVING
• CONTINUE BREASTFEEDING UP TO 2 YEARS OR BEYOND
• GIVE VITAMIN ‘A’ SOLUTION AT SIX MONTHS INTERVAL UP TO THE AGE OF FIVE
YEARS
PICTURE 6.14: ONE YEAR OLD CHILD TAKING FOOD WITH FAMILY
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POINTS TO DISCUSS WITH THE MOTHER OF 2-3 YEARS OLD CHILD
• CONTINUE TO FEED FAMILY FOODS 5 TIMES A DAY

• HELP THE CHILD FEED HIMSELF/HERSELF
• SUPERVISE FEEDING
• ENSURE HAND WASHING WITH SOAP BEFORE FEEDING
6.6 WHEN TO DISCUSS THE GROWTH CURVE
The growth of a child should be discussed with the mother immediately after weighing. More
time will have to be spent with mothers whose children have not gained weight or have lost weight.
The growth of the child can be discussed with the mother while she is at the Anganwadi, or during
home visits. During home visits, you can spend more time with the mother and also suggest to her
more practical solutions which she can immediately start acting on. During home visit, you can also
discuss the child’s growth with other family members who are the decision makers. Remember that
child’s growth, especially of children from birth to 3 years, must be discussed with the mother and
others concerned every month, within a few days of weighing the child.
6.6.1 Let us now discuss an example of a specific advice to be given to mother.

Salma is a 7 months old baby. She was born at her grandmother’s house. Her mother, Asra, got
her to this village when she was about a month old. Mamta, the Anganwadi Worker of the village,
has been monitoring her growth since that time. Asra, her husband Nusrat (chapdasi in the post
office), Salma and Asra’s sister-in-law stay together. Picture 6.19 shows the growth chart of Salma.
Last month, when Salma came to the Anganwadi, she had completed 6 months. When Mamta
weighed her, she told Asra that, although Salma had gained weight that month, it was a little less.
She should start some additional foods, besides breast milk, for Salma. Mamta suggested some foods
to her. Asra said she would give these foods. Next month, when Salma was weighed, she had gained
only 100 gm. After plotting the weight on the growth chart, Mamta decided to pay a home visit at
Asra’s house. Let us see what the AWW talks to Salma’s mother.
Asra greets Mamta. Salma is playing in the varanda. Mamta starts playing with Salma.
Mamta : Where is Farida (her sister-in-law)
Asra : She is grinding wheat at the back.
Mamta : Do you remember we had weighed Salma two days back.
Asra : Yes
Mamta : Look at this chart. Compared to her last month’s weight, Salma has
not gained weight. Look here at this line. It should have gone up till
here (shows the growth chart).
Asra : Is that so? She has been alright !
Mamta : Oh ! Yes, she looks alright. What I am saying is that she has been
gaining good weight. But, since last month, it is little less than what
she should have gained for her age. I hope that she has not had any
illness, fever, cough or loose motions.
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Asra : No, no. She has been alright. Just that she cries a little more than
usual. But then, that is due to the heat. It has been very hot. I asked
my husband to buy a fan. See, she has prickly heat all over the
body.
Mamta : Yes, it is very hot these days. Give her a bath 2-3 times a day so that
the perspiration does not remain on the body and the prickly heat is
not formed.
Tell me what all you are giving her to eat ?
Asra : I give her my milk. Then, little bit to eat.
Mamta : I had suggested few things to you last time.
Asra : Yes, I remember
Memta : Did you start giving her any of the things ?
Asra : Yes, I gave her. She does not like it. She takes my milk easily. I have
no problem.
Memta : Yes, you are right. She enjoys your milk and that is because she is
used to the taste of milk. But, do you feel you are producing enough
milk ?
Asra : Yes, I have got plenty of milk.
Mamta : But, her weight shows that she is not getting enough. This month, she
has gained less weight than last month. What makes a child increase
in weight?
Asra : The food.
Mamta : So, if Salma has not gained weight this month, it means she has not
been getting enough food. You may be producing good amount of
milk. But, now that Salma is growing rapidly, your milk is not sufficient
for her growth.
Asra : Yes that is alright. But, she just does not eat.
Mamta : You will have to work a little for this. She is not used to the taste of any
new food you introduce. So, she does not enjoy it and takes long to
eat. Give her a little at a time, play with her, talk to her while feeding.
Then, try again after some time.
Asra : Probably she will eat if I stop giving her my milk.
Mamta : No, don’t do that. Your milk is very good for her. At this age, we need
to add some more food to your milk. Maybe Salma cries a little more
than usual because her stomach is not full.
Tell me what you will give her today ?
Asra : What should I give, you tell me.
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Mamta : Have you finished your lunch ?

Asra : Yes, we just ate.
Mamta : What did you make ?
Asra : Rice, dal and potato vegetable.
Mamta : Is there anything left ?
Asra : A little bit of dal.
Mamta : We can give her some dal. Let us see how well it is cooked.
Asra : Come along, here.
Mamta : Yes, this looks all right. Bring a clean spoon (Asra tries to feed the
baby)
Asra : Look, I told you she does not like.
Mamta : Why don’t you talk to her, smile at her. Hold her on the legs, so that
she is comfortable. (Salma eats 2-3 spoons of dal)
Mamta : That should be enough for today. She has taken about 2 spoons of
dal. When did you feed her your milk ?
Asra : A little while ago.
Mamta : In the evening, when you have to give her your milk, first give her
some mashed banana and then give her your milk. Bananas are
cheap now-a-days.
Mamta : She will accept new food more easily when she is hungry. Remember
anything you give her has to be well cooked mashed and without
spices (masalas and chillies).
Mamta tells the mother to come next month for getting Salma weighed and leaves her house.
Some of the important features of the conversation are :

• AWW used the growth curve to explain to the mother that her child had not grown
adequately.
• AWW took early action at the first sign of growth faltering.
• AWW first found out from the mother possible reasons for the child not growing
adequately.
• She then suggested family foods which mother could afford.
• She made the mother start action on her advice while she was present at home.
• AWW displayed an attitude of concern for the child with patience and persistence.
• She asked relevant questions.
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Picture 6.15: Growth chart of Salma
94
PICTURE6.16: AWW DISCUSSING GROWTH CURVE OF THE CHILD WITH THE MOTH-
ER DURING HOME VISIT
6.7 SUPPLEMENTARY NUTRITION AT THE ANGANWADI
The old calorific norms fixed since the inception of the Scheme for Supplementary Nutrition
Programme (SNP) at AWC were not adequately meeting the gap between the Recommended Dietary
Allowance (RDA) and Average Dietary Intake (ADI), which meant that the desired impact in the
incidence of malnutrition was not taking place. Therefore, taking into account the recommendations
of experts, Government has decided to revise the old nutritional and feeding norms at AWC with
95
effect from 24.02.2009. The SNP at AWC needs to be organised as per the guidelines mentioned
below.
a) Children (6 months to 3 years)
Food supplement of 500 Kcalories of energy and 12-15 gm of protein per child per day
in Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) should be provided. For children in this
age group, the existing pattern of Take Home Ration (THR) under the ICDS Scheme
shall continue. However, in addition to the current mixed practice of giving either dry
or raw ration (wheat and rice), which is often consumed by the entire family and not the
child alone, THR should be given in the form that is palatable to the child and is seen
as food to be exclusively consumed by the child instead of the entire family. The THR
could be given in the form of Micronutrient-fortified food and/or Energy-dense food that
may be marked as ‘ICDS Food Supplement’. Since a child under 3 years is not capable
for consuming a meal of 500 Kcalories in one sitting, the AWW may advise mothers to
give THR in small frequent meals to the child. The severely underweight children need
to be provided food supplement of 800 Kcalories of energy and 20-25 gm of protein in
the form of Micronutrient-fortified food and/or Energy-dense food as THR. Considering
the inability of under-3 year old child (6 months to 3 years) to consume a meal of 800
Kcalories in one sitting, AWW needs to advise mothers to give THR in small frequent
meals to the child. Severely underweight children requiring medical intervention may
be given locally appropriate feeding and care under medical advice.
b) Children (3 to 6 years)
Food supplement of 500 Kcalories of energy and 12-15 gm of protein per child per day
at the AWC needs to be provided to supplement home feeding. Arrangements should be
made for serving Hot Cooked Meal in AWCs and Mini-AWCs under the ICDS Scheme.
Since a child of this age group is not capable of consuming a meal of 500 Kcalories
in one sitting, children who come to AWCs need to be served more than one meal.
Since the process of cooking and serving hot cooked meal takes times, and in most of
the cases, the food served around noon, these children may be provided 500 Kcalories
over more than one meal. Arrangements may be made to provide a morning snack in
the form of milk/banana/egg/seasonal fruits/Micronutrient-fortified food etc. For severely
underweight children in the age group of 3 to 6 years, additional 300 Kcalories of energy
and 8-10 gm of protein (in addition to 500 Kcalories of energy and 12-15gm of protein
given at AWC) should be given in the form of Micronutrient-fortified food and/or Energy-
dense Food as THR. Severely underweight children requiring medical intervention may
be given locally appropriate feeding and care under medical advice.
c) Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers
Food supplement of 600 Kcalories of energy and 18-20 gm of protein per beneficiary per
day in the form of Micronutrient-Fortified Food and/or Energy-dense Food needs to be
provided as THR. However, in addition to the current mixed practice of giving either dry
or raw ration (wheat and rice), which is often consumed by the entire family and not the
mother alone, it should be given in the form of Micronutrient-fortified food or Food that
may be consumed by the pregnant and lactating mothers rather that the whole family.
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6.8 REFERRING CHILDREN TO THE MEDICAL STAFF

In spite of your best efforts, suggestions, and appropriate response from mothers, some children
do not grow. These are children in the moderately and severely underweight grades. These children
need to be shown to the health staff, such as the ANM or LHV or the Medical officer of the health
centre. They can be either advised to go to the health centre or to show the child during the visit of
health staff at the AWC. Remember that quick action is required to prevent the condition of these
children from becoming worse.
6.8.1 During the visit of the medical staff at the AWC, discuss the condition of those children whose
weights have not increased. Also, take this opportunity to get examined those children who
have flat or downward curves.
6.8.2 In case the visit of the health staff is not expected for some days, ask the mother to go to
the nearest health centre. In some cases, it may be necessary for the AWWs to accompany
the mothers of severely underweight children to the health centre. Referral is not a means
of removing your responsibility from the child. It is only to take medical help to resolve the
problem of underweight child. You have to follow up with the mother after her visit to the
health centre and support her in improving the health of her child.
DISCUSS CHILD’S GROWTH WITH MOTHER, COUNSEL AND FOLLOW UP

Explain to the mother the growth and development of the child using Mother & Child Protection
Card
Praise the mother if the child is growing well and encourage her to follow good caring practices
Prioritise and list children who are not growing well
Plan for discussing the problem with their mothers & families. While discussing the problem, it is
important to keep the discussion positive and it should be in a soft and familiar language
Show the Growth Chart of the child to the mother and explain the direction of the Growth Curve/
position of the plotted point. Use Mother & Child Protection Card
Counsel mothers on improved child care practices for infant and young child growth and
development
Talk to the mother using the following communication and counselling skills:
Ask the mother questions about caring practices, especially feeding, current or previous illness and
about immunisation
Listen to the mother and try to ascertain the cause of the problem
Praise and compliment the mother for all the good things she is doing
Advise the mother, as per the problem, about nutrition care and feeding the child
Check understanding of the advise given to the mother
Convince the mother to bring the child regularly to AWC on monthly Village Mother Child Health
Day for key services
Build confidence in the mother and encourage family support
Explain to the mother and the family that feeding, playing and communicating with children helps
them grow and develop well
Discuss ‘developmental milestones’ of the child with the mother and the family. If there is a delay
in reaching a particular milestone or the child seems slow, advise to increase feeding, talking and
playing. If the child is still slow, refer the child to a doctor/health facility
Follow up severely underweight children. Make home visits
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Reinforce messages
98
EXERCISE-10
99
Complete the following exercises. These exercises will give you practice in plotting weight,
deciding the age specific advice the mother needs. You could do a role play on these exercises to
develop communication skills.
(A) On 8th November 2005, the dai told you that Rema gave birth to a baby girl, two days back.
You go to Rema’s house.
Child’s Name Neeta
Mother’s Name Rema
Father’s Name Shiva
Family Registration Number 96
Fill in Neeta’s growth chart.
(B) The dai, who delivered the child, said Neeta weighed 2.3 kg when she was born. Plot this
weight on the growth chart.
(C) 1) Is Neeta’s birth weight adequate?

2) What points would you discuss with Neeta’s mother on a home visit shortly after the
birth?
(D) 1) In December 2005, Neeta weighed 2.7 kg. Plot this weight on her growth chart.
2) Is the gain in weight adequate? Why or why not?
3) What would you say to Neeta’s mother at this time?
(E) Neeta’s weight on subsequent months were:

14 January 2006 3.4 kg
28 February 2006 4.1 kg
16 March 2006 4.5 kg
Plot these weights on Neeta’s growth chart.
1) What is the direction of the growth curve from December 2005 until March 2006 ?
2) Is this good ?
3) How would you describe Neeta’s overall growth in relation to her nutritional grade
during this time?
(F) What would have happened if Neeta was a male child?
portion once again.
BLANK GROWTH CHART FOR NEETA (EXERCISE 10)
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EXERCISE-11
(A) Dharam Pal is the son of Mohinder Singh and Rajwati. They have recently come to the
village. You asked them when he was born. They said he was born on 2nd July 2005. This
was also confirmed from the papers of the hospital available with Mohinder Singh.
The Family Registration Number is 51.
Fill out a growth chart for Dharam Pal.
(B) His weight in different months, was as follows :
3rd July 2005 3.3 kg
7th August 2005 4.0 kg
14th September 2005 4.8 kg
Plot these weights on his growth chart.
1) What is the direction of the growth curve from birth until September 2005 ?
______________________________________________________________________________
2) Is this good, not good or dangerous ? Why?
3) What would you tell Dharam Pal’s mother during this time ?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
C) Dharam Pal’s weight in the next 3 months was :
2 October 2005 5.3 kg
4 November 2005 5.8 kg
16 December 2005 6.0 kg
Plot these weights on his growth chart.
1) What would you tell Dharam Pal’s mother in December 2005 ?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
D) On 1 January 2006, Dharam Pal again weighed 6.0 kg. Plot this weight on his growth chart.
1) What would you tell Dharam Pal’s mother in January 2006 ?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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E) On 13 February 2006, Dharam Pal again weighed 6.0 kg. Plot this weight on his growth chart ?
102
1) What is the direction of the growth curve from December 2005 until February 2006 ?
__________________________________________________________________________
2) What is Dharam Pal’s nutritional grade in February 2006 ?
__________________________________________________________________________
3) How would you describe Dharam Pal’s growth from December to February in relation
to his nutritional grade ?
__________________________________________________________________________
4) What would you do and say to Dharam Pal’s mother in February 2006 ?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
portion once again.
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BLANK GROWTH CHART FOR DHARAM PAL (EXERCISE 11)
104
EXERCISE-12
105
(A) You asked Rema when her daughter was born. She answered that Ritu was born on Mahatma
Gandhi’s birthday in 2006. Ritu’s father’s name is Rajesh. Family Survey Registration Number
is 27.
Fill in Ritu’s growth chart.
(B) Since Rema was with her mother, Ritu came to the Anganwadi in May 2007. She weighed
5.5 kg. Plot this weight on the growth chart.
1) How many months old is Ritu now ?
__________________________________________________________________________
2) What would you discuss with Ritu’s mother at this time ?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
(C) On 17th June 2007, Ritu weighed 5.5 kg.
1) What would you recommend to Ritu’s mother in June 2007 ?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
(D) Ritu’s weight in subsequent months were :
6th July 2007 5.8 kg
10th August 2007 6.0 kg
12th October 2007 6.5 kg
Plot these weights on Ritu’s growth chart.
1) From June until October 2007 describe the direction of the growth curve ?
__________________________________________________________________________
2) Is this good ?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
3) What would you tell Ritu’s mother during this time ?
106
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
portion once again.
BLANK GROWTH CHART FOR RITU (EXERCISE 12)
107
EXERCISE-13
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CHEPTER - VII
ORGANISING AND ACCOMPLISING THE TASK

OF GROWTH MONITORING
After reading this chapter, the reader will be able to:
1. Know the ways by which the AWW can accomplish and organise the task of growth
monitoring; and
2. Know that participation of the mothers is necessary to do successful growth monitoring.

Organising and Accomplising the Task of Growth Monitoring
REMEMBER:
COVER ALL CHILDREN < 5 YEARS OF AGE IN YOUR AREA, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER OR
NOT THE CHILD ATTENDS AWC.
The task of growth monitoring can be said to have been accomplished when the worker
weighs every beneficiary child at birth and in the age group from birth to 3 years at the interval of
one month; weighs children 3 to 5 years quarterly, discusses with the mothers about the child’s
monthly progress, especially with mothers of children in the age group from birth to 3 years and
older children who are not growing or are underweight.
REMEMBER:
DURING FIRST FEW MONTHS THE WEIGHT OF THE CHILD INCREASES VERY FAST SO ALL
EFFORTS MAY BE MADE TO WEIGH THE CHILD WEEKLY.
7.1 MAKING THE COMMUNITY AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GROWTH MONI-

TORING
The first step towards accomplishing this task is to make the community, especially the mothers,
aware of the real reasons and objectives of growth monitoring. They must not perceive the activity
as a task which the AWW has to do to complete her records for submission at the end of the month.
They must understand that:
• their children are weighed so that their growth can be closely monitored.
• it is their own responsibility to get their children weighed and inquire about their
growth.
• it is their responsibility to ensure normal weight gain of the child.

7.1.1 Although these seem very easy to talk about, yet to get the community at a stage where
they come on their own to get the child weighed and are concerned about the weight gain,
is a process which takes time and conscious efforts on the part of all the functionaries. If
the ICDS functionaries are convinced of the use of growth monitoring to ensure health of
children, they can in turn, convince the mothers.
7.1.2 The community should be made aware of the importance of growth monitoring to ensure
their children’s health. This can be done during individual contact with the mothers, or
during a mothers’ meeting. It should be ensured that the following target groups are made
aware of growth monitoring messages:
i) mothers who have children below 3 years age group;
ii) mothers of underweight children;
iii) pregnant women in the last trimester; and
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iv) ASHA/TBA
7.1.3 The functionaries should explain the following points to the community.
 the children are weighed not simply for submitting records at the end of the month;
 there is a chart in the name of each of their children in the register; after weighing the
child, the weight is plotted on this chart;
 every healthy child, especially in the first three years, must gain weight every month.
Child is weighed to see whether he has put on adequate weight this month also;
 gain in weight depends on the optimal nutrition, optimal health and optimal environment
child gets;
 if the child gains weight, the growth curve will move upwards;
 if the child has not gained weight, or has lost weight, the growth curve will go straight
or downward. This is not good and the child is not healthy;
 if the child has gained adequate weight, it is due to the mother’s efforts and she should
be encouraged to continue;
 if the child has not gained weight, or has lost weight, it is the mother who has to take
action (feed him properly, take care when child is ill etc.) to ensure growth of the
child;
 if the child falls sick, the weight loss can be minimised by taking good care: taking
medical help, if required, on time; not discontinuing food/breast milk during illness;
giving adequate fluids during diarrhoea;
 if we do not weigh children every month, we will not be able to know whether the child
is sick, or is becoming underweight, after she starts looking sick; and
 children in the age group from birth-3 years are dependent on them (mothers) to be
brought to AWC for weighing.
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PICTURE 7.1: AN ANGANWADI WORKER ORGANISING GROWTH MONITORING SES-

SION OUTSIDE THE ANGANWADI CENTRE
113
PICTURE 7.2 : AN AWW DISCUSSING A CHILD’S GROWTH WITH HER MOTHER
114
7.1.4 The supervisor can play an important role in convincing the mothers on these issues. The
meeting should discuss the wrong ideas or beliefs the mothers have regarding growth
monitoring. A mother, who is regular in bringing the child for weighing and follows the
actions suggested by AWW, could be used as an example.
7.1.5 During individual contact, if the AWW makes it a practice to show the mother the growth
curve of the child and follow up with her the advice given last month, she will learn to
appreciate the purpose of growth monitoring.
REMEMBER:
TO GET THE FULL BENEFIT OF GROWTH MONITORING, THE COMMUNITY MUST BE MADE
AWARE OF ITS BENEFITS IN PROMOTING CHILD HEALTH.
7.2 ORGANISING GROWTH MONITORING SESSION
Organising a meaningful growth monitoring session involves weighing the child, plotting
weight on the growth chart, discussing the growth curve with the mother and deciding actions
that she has to take to improve child’s growth. Ideally, all these tasks should be done at one
time. However, the AWW requires adequate time to discuss with the mother, the child’s growth,
especially with those whose children have lost weight, or have not gained weight. Suggested below
are some ways of organising growth monitoring sessions:
• AWW can fix the dates in such a way that small groups of 5-7 mothers can be called
at one time. On the first day, she can call mothers with children under one year of
age. On the second day, she can call mothers of children from 1-3 years. She should
take help of the mothers in the weighing process. In this way, AWW can weigh and
discuss the growth of the child and problems of and specific actions to be taken for,
each child.
• Take the weighing scale and the growth chart register to one part of the village on
one day and to another part of the village the next day where a number of houses are
clustered together. This will make it easier for the mothers to attend these sessions,
especially in the hilly areas.
• If there are large group of mothers who have come at one time, the AWW would
note down the weights and then discuss the growth curve with the mother during
home visit. But, this should be done within the next few days.
7.2.1 The AWW can think of other ways to accomplish the task of weighing. She should ensure,
that the weight is taken after a gap of one month. She should remember that her work does
not end at weighing the child and plotting the weight on the growth chart. Sharing the weight
gained by the child, as compared to the last month’s weight, and deciding appropriate action,
if required, are the most important steps in growth monitoring to ensure the growth of the
child.
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REMEMBER:
TASK OF GROWTH MONITORING IS NOT ACCOMPLISHED BY JUST WEIGHING
THE CHILDREN REGULARLY.
WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT IS TO SHARE THE GROWTH CURVE WITH THE
MOTHER.
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CHAPTER - VIII
ROLE OF SUPERVISOR IN GROWTH MONITORING

After Reading this chapter and completing the exercises suggested at the end, the reader will
be able to know:
1. the role of the supervisor as a guide and trainer of AWWs in growth monitoring;
2. the direct responsibility of the supervisor in growth monitoring of severely underweight and
‘at risk’ children;
3. the points the supervisor should observe in a growth chart register maintained by the AWW
during her visit to AWC; and
4. the role of the supervisor in making the community aware of the importance of monitoring
the growth of their children.
Role of Supervisor in Growth Monitoring
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES OF SUPERVISORS RELATED TO GROWTH MONITORING
The ICDS supervisor has an important role to play in ensuring that growth monitoring of
children from birth to 5 years is done properly by the AWWs. The job responsibilities of a supervisor
directly related to growth monitoring are:
i) to guide the AWW in assessment of correct age of children, accurate weighing of children
and correctly plotting their weights on the growth chart, especially in respect of severely
underweight children;
ii) to check the weights by actually weighing severely underweight children and guide the
AWW in their management;
iii) to visit homes of severely underweight children and ‘at risk’ mothers and guide mothers
about proper care in such cases;
iv) to check the records of AWWs and guide them in proper maintenance of records (here
reference is to the growth chart register);
v) to give continuing education to AWWs and ANMs at each circle level meeting;
vi) to ensure that weighing scales are available at the AWCs and are in working condition;
and
vii) to check the stocks of supplies, such as supplementary nutrition, medicines, material for pre-
school education, registers records etc. and report shortages to the CDPOs.
8.1 The list of jobs clearly indicates that, during her visit to AWC, and during monthly meetings,
the supervisor has to perform the following work.
8.1.1 Guiding and training the AWWs in the following tasks:

a) assessment of correct age of children;
b) accurate weighing of children;
c) plotting weights on growth charts correctly;
d) proper counselling of mothers to promote growth; and
e) discuss issues related to growth monitoring during circle level meetings.
8.1.2 Monitoring the growth of severely underweight children by:

a) checking weight by actual weighing;
b) visiting homes of severely underweight children; and
c) guiding AWWs and mothers in the management of severely underweight children.
8.1.3 Administrative responsibilities
a) Check if the weighing scale is in working order and arrange for its repair, if required.
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b) Check the supply and maintenance of the growth chart register.
c) Check the adequacy of other supplies, including supplementary nutrition, and report to
CDPO for their timely replenishment.
REMEMBER:
THE SUPERVISOR HAS TO BE A GUIDE AND TRAINER TO THE AWW TO ENSURE PROPER
GROWTH MONITORING.THE SUPERVISOR HAS THE DIRECT RESPONSIBILITY OF MONITORING
GROWTH OF SEVERELY UNDERWEIGHT CHILDREN.
Let us now discuss in detail, the tasks of a supervisor in growth monitoring.

8.2 SUPERVISING AND GUIDING THE ANGANWADI WORKER
Supervisor has to guide and train the AWWs in developing necessary skills required for growth
monitoring. The supervisor should develop the ability to observe the work done by the AWWs and
identify mistakes/shortcomings and correct the same by demonstrating the right procedure.
8.2.1 A supervisor can assess the skills of an AWW in weighing, plotting and discussing the growth
of children with mothers by going through the growth chart register and by observing her
while she is doing these tasks. The aim of the supervisor should be to develop, in the AWW,
those skills which she lacks and also to develop the right approach and attitude towards this
task. The Supervisor should be able to make her appreciate growth monitoring as a means
of detecting early growth faltering, especially in children in the age group from birth-3 years,
and as a tool for giving individualised nutrition and health education to mothers.
REMEMBER:
SUPERVISOR SHOULD DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO OBSERVE THE WORK OF THE AWW, IDENTIFY
MISTAKES/SHORTCOMINGS, IF ANY, AND CORRECT THESE BY DEMONSTRATING THE RIGHT
PROCEDURE.
Given below are some important points which may be kept in mind while supervising the task
of growth monitoring:
8.2.2 Looking at the Growth Chart Register
a) From the index of this register, the supervisor should see:
• the total number of growth charts maintained for-
Birth-three years old children
3 years to 5 years old children
• Number of new growth charts added since her previous visit, especially of newly
born babies.
• Whether the names of children older than 5 years have been crossed out.
• The total number of growth charts maintained in the two categories should tally
with the number of children registered for various services at the AWC. Supervisor
should ensure that every child should have a growth chart. If growth charts for all
the children are not maintained, supervisor should find out the reasons and discuss
with the AWW ways of ensuring weighing of these children every month. She can
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suggest to the AWW different ways of reaching all the children. Some of these have
been discussed in Chapter - IV.
• If the supervisor is visiting after a gap of 1 month, there would be 1-2 new births in the
village. She should inquire about the new born babies from the AWW and pay a visit
to their homes. Supervisor should check if the growth monitoring of these children has
been started. She should stress the need to start monitoring the growth of new born
babies from birth. She should ask the AWW about any problem related to weighing
new born babies and find the ways of solving this either by personally talking to the
mother or by taking help of other functionaries like ASHA, TBA or ANM.
b) Supervisor should then look at the growth charts and find out –
• Number of children who have gained adequate weight, lost weight or not gained
weight, as compared to the last month’s weight; and
• Number of children in the moderately underweight and severely underweight grades.
See if these children have gained weight since the previous month.
c) Supervisor should randomly check 7-10 growth charts and see whether:
• information box is filled;
• date, month and year of birth, as mentioned in the index of the register, is written in
the first white box and its margin in the month axis;
• all the month boxes are filled up to 60 months;
• weights of children are taken and plotted every month;
• weights of new born are taken and plotted preferably at every completed week;
• in the Month Axis, weights of the children are written below the month on which
weight was taken;
• weight plotting is up to date;
• weights are plotted correctly to the nearest 100 grams; and
• weight points are joined to form the growth curve.
The supervisor should explain the mistakes or shortcomings in filling up the growth chart and
make the AWW correct the mistakes in her presence.
REMEMBER:
SUPERVISOR SHOULD ENSURE THAT GROWTH OF ALL CHILDREN ESPECIALLY FROM BIRTH TO
3 YEARS IS MONITORED EVERY MONTH AND GROWTH MONITORING OF NEW BORN BABIES
IS STARTED FROM BIRTH AND IS DONE PREFERABLY EVERY WEEK IN THE FIRST MONTH.
8.2.3 Assessment of Correct Age
The supervisor should find out from the AWW how she had determined the age of the child. It
could be by looking at records with the parents, like the discharge papers of the PHC/Sub centre/hospital
that she had noted down the date of birth as soon as the baby was born, Mother and Child Protection
Card, birth certificate, by questioning the mother, or by using the local events calendar. The supervisor
should cross check the date of birth of a few children by talking to the mothers herself. If the AWW
has made any mistake in assessing the date of birth of the child, she should explain the mistake to the
AWW.
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8.2.4 Observing the Weighing of Children
For this, the supervisor can select the growth chart of a child who is less than one year and
who is not gaining or losing weight. She can ask the AWW to call mother and the child to the AWC,
or they can together visit the home of this child. This will give her an opportunity to assess the skills
of AWW in weighing younger children, assessing their age and giving relevant nutrition and health
education to mothers.
While the AWW weighs the child, the supervisor should observe whether:
• the scale is assembled correctly.
• the scale is at eye level.
• the scale is hung securely.
• zero error is corrected at the beginning of weighing with the basket pants.
• the mother is encouraged to participate in weighing by asking her to put the child in the
basket or holding the bar in case of bar scale etc.
• the AWW knows the technique of balancing the bar in case of bar scale.
• the AWW observes all the precautions needed for weighing a child safely, especially in
case of bar scale.
• the AWW asks mother to remove chappals/shoes, heavy dress like blazer etc. heavy
ornaments, if any of the child before weighing.
• the AWW does not touch the scale below the dial/bar while reading the weight.
• the AWW reads the weights correctly to the nearest 100 grams.
• the AWW takes the child out of the basket safely with the help of mother/helper.
Wherever AWW deviates from the above procedure, Supervisor should guide the AWW by
demonstrating the right procedure.
8.2.5 Discussing the Growth of the Child with the Mother
Supervisor should ask the AWW if she discusses the growth of the child with the mother. She
should find out from the AWW:
• When does she discuss the growth chart with the mother (immediately after weighing;
within a few days after weighing, during home visits, when the mother comes to the
AWC; whenever AWW finds time);
• Whether she shows the growth chart to the mother and explains the concept of direction
of the growth curve to the mother; and
• Whether she discusses the growth chart with all the mothers or only with those whose
children are not growing, or whose children are severely underweight.
The supervisor should confirm these facts by talking to a few mothers herself during home
visits, or at the AWC. The supervisor should impress upon the AWW that she should show and
discuss the growth chart with the mother either immediately or within a few days of weighing the
child.
122
To assess the skills of AWW in imparting nutrition and health education, the supervisor
should listen to the AWW while the AWW talks to a mother. She should then give her concrete
suggestions to improve the communication of messages and also tell her the positive points of her
communication.
It would be more effective and helpful to the AWW, if the supervisor can demonstrate the
discussion of the growth chart with the mother. The supervisor should stress on the AWW to listen
to the mother before giving any advice in order to find out the reasons for adequate weight gain, no
weight gain or loss of weight. The AWW must remember that the mother knows the most about her
child and she is the person who can make the changes to improve the child’s growth. The AWW
should give specific advice the mother needs at that time.
REMEMBER:
SUPERVISOR SHOULD DEMONSTRATE THE SKILLS OF DISCUSSING THE GRWOTH CHART
WITH THE MOTHER.
8.3 ORGANISING TRAINING IN GROWTH MONITORING
She could periodically organise discussions on topics related to growth monitoring in circle
meeting; arrange training on correct weighing and plotting, interpreting curve to the mother etc.
with the help of experienced AWWs, trainers of AWWs or experts in this field, if available.
8.4 CREATING AWARENESS OF THE COMMUNITY REGARDING GROWTH MONI-
TORING
Supervisor should take a lead role in creating awareness among the mothers about the
importance of growth monitoring. This can be done through individual contact, or during mothers
meetings. Supervisor should find out from the AWW the problems of her area and attitude and
perceptions of mothers about getting their children weighed. She should then work towards correcting
the wrong concepts and reinforcing the right ones.
8.5 MONITORING THE GROWTH OF SEVERELY UNDERWEIGHT CHILDREN
Monitoring the growth of severely underweight children is also the direct responsibility of
the supervisor. During her visit to the AWC, supervisor should check the weight of the severely
underweight children by actually weighing. She should observe the growth curve of these children
and see if the direction is upward, flat or downward. The supervisor should then discuss the growth
of each child with the mother and AWW to promote adequate growth in these children.
8.5.1 Let us look at some more details on discussing growth of the severely underweight child with
the mother.
8.5.2 To discuss the growth of these children, the supervisor should visit the homes of these
children. During her visit, she should show the growth chart to the mother and explain to
her the direction of the growth curve. She should make the mother understand that her child
is “very weak” and needs immediate action on her part. Supervisor can also compare the
growth curve of the child with that of a healthy child of the same age.
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8.5.3 The supervisor should find out from the mother about food habits of the child, amount of
food he takes, any recent illness, past history of any illness etc. She should then try to find
out the possible causes of underweight by talking to the health staff and the AWW. The
cause(s) of underweight can be one or more from amongst those given below:
• Repeated infections, such as diarrhoea, measles, worm infestations etc., due to,
unhygienic environment, unsafe drinking water, bottle-feeding etc.;
• Lack of required food in terms of quality and quantity, due to low family income and
large family size, food fads, lack of understanding of the nutritional needs of the child;
• Delayed introduction of additional foods resulting in child not accepting any food other
than milk;
• Sudden discontinuation of breast milk without introduction of supplementary foods, due
to conception of the next child or sickness of the mother; and
• Child suffering from a chronic disease like tuberculosis, inability to digest milk etc.
8.5.4 A child, who is born with a low birth weight or is in the ‘at risk’ category and who encounters
any of the causes listed above, is prone to suffer from severe underweight.
8.5.5 Depending on the cause of underweight, supervisor should:

• Ask the mother to show the child to the doctor to take care of infections and any chronic
disease which the child may have. In view of the severity of underweight and associated
infection, the child may need hospitalisation. The child can be seen by the doctor either
during the visit of the health staff to the AWC or at the sub centre/hospital whichever is
earlier. The supervisor should inform the family the date and time of the doctor’s visit at
the AWC or location, timing of the PHC/sub-centre/hospital;
• Ask the mother to bring the child to the AWC for supplementary feeding immediately,
in case the child does not need hospitalisation, or after the child is discharged from the
hospital. Supervisor should explain to the mother the need to give supplementary food
to the child and the need to give it in small, frequent feeds and not to share the food with
other members of family. The AWW should ensure that the mother gives one feed at the
AWC and carries back the rest with her;
• Ask the mother that, if possible, 1-2 teaspoon of extra oil/ghee, be added to the child’s
food at each meal;
• Demonstrate the preparation of Micronutrient-fortified food and/or Energy-dense food
to the mother to provide adequate and balanced Kcalories and protein intake through
the food. Recipes of such foods is given in Annexure - III. For the severely underweight
children, States/UTs may provide food supplement of 800 Kcalories of energy and 20-25
grams of protein in the form of Micronutrient-fortified food and/or Energy-dense food as
Take Home Ration (THR). Considering the inability of under 3 years old child (6 months
to 3 years) to consume a meal of 800 Kcalories in one sitting, the State Governments/
UTs may consider advising mothers to give THR in small frequent meals to the child.
Severely underweight children requiring medical intervention may be given locally
appropriate feeding and care under medical advice.
124
• Advise mother to take quick action in case the child has any illness. Give oral rehydration
solution and other fluids in case the child has diarrhoea. Mother should continue to feed
the child during illness etc;
• Explain to the mother that recovery of a severely underweight child takes time (2-4
months) and that she should not expect miracle by taking the child to the doctor or by
feeding supplementary nutrition given at the AWC; and
• Ask the mother to get the child weighed after one month interval to see the change in
weight.
8.5.6 A onetime advice to the mother of a severely underweight child is not enough. The supervisor
and the AWW have to follow up the child and this mother during their subsequent visits, by
looking at the weight gain and talking to the mother to find out how much advice she has
followed. Supervisor should encourage the mother if the child has gained weight.
REMEMBER:
THE SUPERVISOR SHOULD MAKE AWW APPRECIATE GROWTH MONITORING AS A MEANS
FOR DETECTING EARLY GROWTH FALTERING ESPECIALLY FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN
BELOW 3 YEARS, AND NOT ONLY FOR DETECTING UNDERWEIGHT.
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EXERCISE-14
Go through the growth chart register maintained at an AWC. Note down the
(i) total number of growth charts maintained.
(ii) number of growth charts maintained from birth to 36 months old children.
(iii) number of growth charts maintained for 3-5 years old children.
Check these figures with the number of children in these age groups registered at the AWC
for other services.
(iv) Now, note down the number of growth charts with
-- adequate upward curve
-- flat curve
-- downward curve
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EXERCISE-15
While going through the growth charts during your visit to an AWC on 17 June 2009, you
see the growth chart of Lata. From the index, you see that Lata’s birth date is 2 February 2006. The
growth chart of Lata is given in the next page. Observe the growth chart.
(1) What are the mistakes/omissions in this growth chart.
i) __________________________________________________________________________
ii) __________________________________________________________________________
iii) __________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
(2) How will you explain these points to the AWW?
i) __________________________________________________________________________
ii) __________________________________________________________________________
iii) __________________________________________________________________________
portion once again.
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Growth chart of Lata (Exercise 15)
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EXERCISE-16
(A) Observe the growth chart of Nalani.
1. What are the omissions/observations in this growth chart?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
2. How will you explain these to the AWW?
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
portion once again.
129
Growth chart of Nalani (Exercise 16)
130
EXERCISE-17
(1) You are on your visit to one of your AWC in the month of August 2007. While going through
the growth chart register, you observe that there are a total of 45 growth charts maintained,
30 growth charts are of children 3-5 years and 15 growth charts are of children from birth to
3 years.
What will you do if you observe these facts?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
portion once again.
131
EXERCISE-18
You are going for a home visit to the house of a child, whose name is Rashmi, in October
2007. The growth chart of the child is given on the next page. You ask the AWW to discuss the
child’s growth with the mother. Given below is the conversation of the AWW with the mother :
AWW greets the mother and asks her if she is free. The mother Invites her to sit on the charpai
and offers her water. The AWW tells the mother that her daughter, Rashmi, has not gained weight
and that she should take more care of her. She tells the mother to give her soft foods like banana,
well-cooked khichri, boiled potato, mango, khir etc. She tells the mother that the AWC is very close
to her house and that she should make use of the services it provides. The mother nods her head.
(A) What are the mistakes/shortcomings in this conversation ?
i) __________________________________________________________________________
ii) __________________________________________________________________________
iii) __________________________________________________________________________
iv) __________________________________________________________________________
If any of your answers is incorrect or incomplete, go back to the chapter and read the concerned portion
once again
132
GROWTH CHART OF RASHMI (EXERCISE 18)
133
ANNEXURES
Annexures
ANNEXURE-I
LOCAL EVENTS CALANDER
Festivals 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
LOHRI 13.1.03 13.1.04 13.1.05 13.1.06 13.1.07 13.1.08 13.1.09
MAKAR SANKRANTI 14.1.03 15.1.04 14.1.05 14.1.06 14.1.07 14.1.08 13.1.09
ID-UL ZUHA/ 12.2.03 2.2.04 22.1.05 11.1.06 1.1.07 9.12.08 28.11.09

BAKRID
REPUBLIC DAY 26.1.03 26.1.04 26.1.05 26.1.06 26.1.07 26.1.08 26.1.09
BASANT PANCHMI 6.2.03 26.1.04 13.2.05 2.2.06 23.1.07 11.2.08 31.1.09
MOHARRAM 14.3.03 2.3.04 20.2.05 10.2.06 30.1.07 19.1.08 8.1.09

28.12.09
MAHA SHIVRATRI 1.3.03 18.2.04 8.3.05 26.2.06 16.2.07 6.3.08 23.2.09
HOLI 19.3.03 6.3.04 25.3.05 14.3.06 4.3.07 22.3.08 11.3.09
GOOD FRIDAY 18.4.03 9.4.04 25.3.05 14.4.06 6.4.07 21.3.08 10.4.09
BAISAKHI 13.4.03 13.4.04 13.4.05 13.4.06 14.4.07 13.4.08 13.4.09
RAM NAVMI 11.4.03 30.3.04 18.4.05 6.4.06 27.3.07 14.4.08 3.4.09
MAHAVIR JAYANTI 15.4.03 3.4.04 22.4.05 11.4.06 31.3.07 18.4.08 7.4.09
BUDH PURNIMA 16.5.03 4.5.04 23.5.05 13.5.06 2.5.07 20.5.08 9.5.09
INDEPENDENCE 15.8.03 15.08.04 15.08.05 15.08.06 15.08.07 15.08.08 15.08.09

DAY
RAKSHA BANDHAN 12.8.03 30.8.04 19.8.05 9.8.06 28.8.07 16.8.08 5.8.09
JANMASHTMI 20.8.03 7.9.04 27.8.05 16.8.06 4.9.07 24.8.08 14.8.09
GANESH 31.8.03 18.9.04 7.9.05 27.8.06 15.9.07 3.9.08 23.8.09

CHATURTHI
GANDHI JAYANTI 2.10.03 2.10.04 2.10.05 2.10.06 2.10.07 2.10.08 2.10.09
DUSHEHRA 4.10.03 22.10.04 12.10.05 2.10.06 21.10.07 9.10.08 28.9.09
BHAIYA DOOJ 27.10.03 14.11.04 03.11.05 24.10.06 11.11.07 30.10.08 19.10.09
DEEPAWALI 24.10.03 12.11.04 1.11.05 21.10.06 9.11.07 28.10.08 17.10.09
ID-UL FITR/RAMZAN 26.11.03 15.11.04 4.11.05 25.10.06 14.10.07 2.10.08 21.9.09
137
ANNEXURE-II
MOTHER AND CHILD PROTECTION CARD
(Continude...)
138
Annexures
139
ANNEXURE-III
SUGGESTIVE RECIPES REPRESENTING ENERGY DENSE AND HOT COOKED MEALS
FOR ICDS PROGRAMME
(Source: National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad)
1. RECIPES OF ENERGY DENSE / INSTANT FOODS: These food items can be given as the
first feed in the Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) as well as Take Home Ration (THR) for both
children in the age-group of 6 months to 3 years and severely undernourished children in
the age group of 6 months to 6 years.
1.1 CEREAL-PULSE MIX (6 Months – 6 Years Children)

Ingredients Quantity (gm) Energy (KCal) Protein (gm) Fat (gm) Cost1 (Rs)
Wheat, roasted 20 68 2.4 0.34 0.30
Bengal gram, roasted 10 37 2.3 0.54 0.41
Groundnuts, roasted 7 38 1.7 2.68 0.34
Jaggery/Sugar 17 64 0.1 0.02 0.50
Total 54 207 6.5 3.6 1.55*
Recommended Level 200 5-7
* Excluding processing cost

Method of Preparation
• Powder all the roasted ingredients individually
• Mix all the three thoroughly
• Crush or powder the jaggery/sugar, add to the above mixture and mix thoroughly
• Store in air tight containers
• Mix with hot water before serving the child
• It can be made into laddus or in the form of porridge
1.2 RAGINA (6 Months – 6 Years Children)

Ingredients Quantity (gm) Energy (KCal) Protein (gm) Fat (gm) Cost (Rs)
Ragi, dehusked & roasted 30 99 2.2 0.40 0.76
Bengal gram, roasted 7 25 1.5 0.33 0.27
Sugar 20 80 0.02 0.00 0.30
Total 57 204 3.7 0.7 1.33*

1
Cost of recipe is at current market prices as per National average (CPI_RL:- May, 2008)
140
Annexures
• Powder all the roasted ingredients and the sugar individually
• Mix all the ingredients thoroughly
• It can be made into laddus or in the form of porridge
1.3 RICE FLAKES-GROUNDNUT BARFI (6 Months – 6 Years Children)

Protein
Ingredients Quantity (gm) Energy (KCal) Fat (gm) Cost (Rs)
(gm)
Rice flakes 17 58 1.1 0.20 0.50
Jaggery 20 77 0.1 0.02 0.60
Total 50 211 4.7 5.6 1.80*
• Roast the rice flakes and mix with the roasted and crushed groundnuts
• Prepare a syrup with jaggery and water
• Add the mixture of rice flakes and crushed groundnuts mix quickly
• Spread the mixture on a greased plate and cut into pieces immediately
1.4 WHEAT-GROUNDNUT BARFI (6 Months – 6 Years Children)

Wheat, roasted 17 57 2.0 0.27 0.25
Salt 0.5 0 0.0 0.00 0.01
Sugar 13 54 0.01 0.00 0.20
Baking Powder 0.5 0 0.0 0.00 0.05
Total 48 207 6.4 7.0 1.35*

• Powder all the roasted ingredients and the sugar individually
• Mix all the ingredients together
• Add the baking powder and salt and mix thoroughly
141
• Make a stiff dough with hot water, roll into chapatis and cut into desired shape
• Place the cut pieces on greased metal trays and bake them well on heated sand in a degchi
• The degchi should be kept covered with a lid and pieces of live charcoal kept on the lid to
ensure uniform baking
• Remove the biscuits when they are golden brown
1.5 BAJRA AND PULSE/ LEGUME MIX (6 Months – 6 Years Children)

Bajra, dehusked & roasted 20 72 2.4 1.01 0.50
Green gram, roasted 7 24 1.7 0.08 0.27
Groundnut, roasted 7 38 1.7 2.70 0.33
Gingelly seeds, roasted 3 19 0.6 1.47 0.19
Sugar 13 54 0.01 0.00 0.20
Total 50 207 6.4 5.3 1.49*
• Powder all the roasted ingredients and sugar individually
• Mix all the ingredients thoroughly
• It can either be made into laddus or in the form of porridge
1.6 SWEET READY MIX (6 Months – 6 Years Children)

Wheat, roasted 17 57 2.0 0.27 0.25
Soyabean, dehusked & roasted 11 49 4.9 2.21 0.47
Oil 5 45 0.0 5.00 0.33
Sugar 11 46 0.01 0.00 0.17
Total 44 197 6.9 7.5 1.22*
*Including processing cost
• Powder all the roasted ingredients and sugar individually
• Mix all the above ingredients along with oil in a blender
• The food can be served as such or can be made into laddus or porridge by mixing the required
quantity of hot water
142
Annexures
1.7 PAUSHTIK PANJEERI (6 Months – 6 Years Children)

Ingredients Quantity (gm) Energy (K Cal) Protein (gm) Fat (gm) Cost (Rs)
Semolina 24 82 2.4 0.19 0.47
Bengal gram flour 13 50 2.8 0.75 0.55
Oil 3 27 0.00 3.00 0.20
Sugar 7 27 0.01 0.00 0.10
Total 50 205 6.1 5.3 1.49*
• Roast semolina, Bengal gram flour and ground nuts separately in oil
• Add the powdered sugar. Grind all the ingredients into fine powder and store
• The food can be served as such or can be made into laddus or porridge by mixing the required
quantity of hot water
1.8 BESAN-SUJI LADUS (6 Months – 6 Years Children)

Wheat Flour 13 46 1.6 0.22 0.20
Semolina 13 50 2.8 0.75 0.27
Oil 7 63 0.0 7.00 0.46
Sugar/Jaggery 10 38 0.01 0.01 0.30
Total 50 221 5.1 8.0 1.45*
• Roast the semolina, wheat flour and Bengal gram flour separately in oil till light brown
• Make a thick syrup of jaggery/sugar
• Add the roasted ingredients and cook for another minute
• Remove from stove. Shape into round ball, while still hot
143
1.9 PAUSHTIK BARFI (6 Months – 6 Years Children)

Wheat Flour 13 46 1.6 0.23 0.20
Oil 3 27 0.00 3.00 0.20
Sugar/Jaggery 20 76 0.03 0.03 0.60
Total 50 213 4.7 6.3 1.61*
• Roast the groundnuts, remove skin and grind
• Heat oil, add wheat flour and Bengal gram flour, fry till golden brown
• Mix well and remove from fire
• Spread on greased plate and cut into equal pieces
1.10 PAUSHTIK MATHRI (6 Months – 6 Years Children)
Wheat Flour 17 57 2.0 0.29 0.42
Oil 10 90 0.0 10.00 0.66
Salt 1 0 0.0 0.00 0.01
Total 45 209 5.5 11.2 1.77*
• Mix wheat flour, bengal gram flour, salt and oil well. Knead into dough and keep aside for 5
minutes. Make small round balls
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan, flatten each ball into round shape
• Dust the mathris in wheat flour and fry in medium flame till golden brown
144
Annexures
1.11 AMYLASE RICH ENERGY FOOD (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Processed wheat Flour 20 68 2.4 0.33 0.30
Malted Ragi 3 9 0.2 0.03 0.07
Processed Soya Flour 13 58 5.8 2.61 0.54
Powdered Sugar/Jaggery 15 59 0.01 0.00 0.22
Vitamin & Mineral premix - - - - 0.05
Total 51 194 8.4 3.0 1.18*
• Boil water, remove from heat and add the powder stir continuously while mixing
• Serve the beneficiaries as Laddu, Kheer or Hulva
1.12 WEANING FOOD/ WHEAT SOYA LADDU (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Wheat 24 80 2.8 0.40 0.35
Rice 7 24 0.5 0.03 0.07
Soybean 12 52 5.2 2.34 0.49
Sugar 11 43 0.01 0.00 0.16
Vitamin & mineral premix - - - - 0.05
Total 54 199 8.5 2.8 1.12*
• Boil water, remove from heat and add the powder stir continuously while mixing
• Serve the beneficiaries as Laddu
1.13 NUTRO SOYA CORN CHIKKIS (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Corn Flakes 27 92 2.9 0.96 0.80
Soybean 7 29 2.9 1.31 0.27
Roasted Bengal Gram 2 7 0.5 0.11 0.08
Sugar 17 67 0.02 0.00 0.25
Oil 1 9 0.0 1.00 0.07
Vitamin & mineral premix - - - - 0.05
Total 54 204 6.3 3.4 1.52*
• Ready to serve chikkis
145
1.14 SUMMARY (Average Nutritive Value and Cost Per Recipe)

Children (6 months – 3 years)
S.No. Recipe
Energy (K Cal) Protein (gm) Fat (gm) Cost (Rs)
1. Cereal-Pulse Mix 207 6.5 3.6 1.55
2. Ragina 204 3.7 0.7 1.33
3. Riceflakes-Groundnut Barfi 211 4.7 5.6 1.80
4. Wheat-Groundnut Barfi 207 6.4 7.0 1.35
5. Bajra and Pulse/Legume Mix 207 6.4 5.3 1.49
6. Sweet Ready Mix 197 6.9 7.5 1.22
7. Paushtik Panjeeri 205 6.1 5.3 1.49
8. Besan Suji Laddu 221 5.1 8.0 1.45
9. Paushtik Barfi 213 4.7 6.3 1.61
10. Paushtik Mathri 209 5.5 11.2 1.77
11. Amylase Rich Energy Food 194 8.4 3.0 1.18
12. Weaning Food/ Wheat Soya Laddu 199 8.5 2.8 1.12
13. Nutro Soya Corn Chikkis 204 6.3 3.4 1.52
TOTAL 2678 79.2 69.7 18.88
Average 206 7.2 6.3 1.45
2. RECIPES FOR SOME COMMON HOT COOKED FOOD: These food items can be given
as the second feed in the Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) for both normal children and severely
undernourished children in the age group of 3 to 6 years.
2.1 MITHA DALIYA (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Broken Wheat 36.8 125 4.5 0.63 0.55
Green Gram Dhal 14.4 50 3.5 0.17 0.59
Soybean 5.8 25 2.5 1.13 0.24
Sugar 20 80 0.2 0.00 0.30
Oil 3 27 0.0 3.00 0.20
Fuel 130 0 0 0 0.27
Total 306 10.5 4.93 2.15
• Roast broken wheat and soybean in a pan
• When half done, add green gram dal and continue roasting till light brown
• Add water and cook till soft and semi solid consistency is obtained
• Add milk, sugar and oil
• Boil for a few minutes and serve hot
146
Annexures
2.2 NAMKEEN DALIYA (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Broken Wheat 54.4 185 6.6 0.92 0.82
Green Gram Dhal 11.6 40 2.8 0.14 0.47
Soybean 6.8 29 2.9 1.33 0.28
Oil 5.6 50 0.0 5.60 0.37
Salt 1.0 0 0 0 0.01
Fuel 130 0 0 0 0.27

Total 306 12.1 8.0 2.22
• Heat oil and fry broken wheat, green gram dhal and soybean till golden brown
• Add water and cook till soft and semi solid
• Add salt and serve hot.
2.3 KHICHDI (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Rice 65 224 4.4 0.30 0.65
Green gram dhal 10 35 2.5 0.12 0.41
Cooking oil 5 45 0.0 5.00 0.33
Green chilies 5 1 0.1 0.03
Ginger 2 1 0.05 0.02
0.36
Turmeric 0.5 2 0.03 0.03
Salt 1 0 0.0 0.00
Fuel 130 0 0.0 0.00 0.27
Total 309 7.1 5.5 2.02
• Heat oil in a pan
• Season with green chilies, turmeric and ginger paste/pieces
• Add the washed rice and green gram dhal
• Add the salt and required amount of water (For 1 cup rice add 2.5 cups of water)
• Cook till soft and done and serve hot
147
2.4 VEGETABLE UPMA (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Broken wheat 55 191 5.7 0.44 1.10
Bengal gram dhal 5 19 1.0 0.28 0.20
Carrots 15 7 0.1 0.03
0.36
Beans 15 4 0.3 0.02
Cooking oil 5 45 0.0 5.00 0.33
Ginger 2 1 0.05 0.02
Cumin 1 4 0.2 0.20
0.38
Green chillies 5 1 0.1 0.03
Salt 1 0 0.0 0.00
Ground nuts 5 28 1.3 2.01 0.25
Fuel 130 0 0.0 0.00 0.27
Total 300 8.8 8.0 2.89
Boil the vegetables and keep aside
Heat oil and season with green chillies, cumin, bengal gram, ginger & groundnuts
Add the broken wheat and fry for 2 minutes. Add the boiled vegetables and salt
Add water (for 1 cup broken wheat add 2 cups of water) and cook till soft and done. Serve hot.
2.5 KESARIYA UPMA/HULVA (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Semolina (Suji) 42.8 149 4.5 0.34 0.86
Soybean 12.8 55 5.5 2.50 0.52
Sugar 19.6 78 0.02 0.0 0.29
Oil 4.8 43 0.0 4.8 0.31
Flavours & colours a pinch 0 0 0 0.01
Fuel 130 0 0 0 0.27
Total 325 10.0 7.6 2.26
• Boil water and sugar for a few seconds and keep aside.
• Fry semolina and soybean in oil till golden brown.
• Add the hot syrup and cook till halwa does not stick to the sides of the pan.
• Serve hot
148
Annexures
2.6 SWEET PONGAL (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Rice 50 173 3.4 0.25 0.50
Green gram dhal 10 35 2.5 0.12 0.41
Oil 5 45 0.0 5.00 0.33
Jaggery 15 58 0.1 0.02 0.45
Fuel 130 0 0.0 0.00 0.27
Total 311 6.0 5.4 1.96
• Boil the rice and green gram dhal with required amount of water (for 1 cup rice add 2.5 to 3
cups of water)
• When rice turns soft and water is absorbed, add powdered jaggery
• Add oil and boil till the jaggery leaves the sides of the vessel
• Serve hot or cold
2.7 BROKEN WHEAT PORRIDGE (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Broken wheat 50 174 5.2 0.40 1.00
Green gram dhal 10 35 2.5 0.12 0.41
Oil 5 45 0.0 5.00 0.33
Jaggery 15 58 0.1 0.02 0.45
Fuel 130 0 0.0 0.00 0.27
Total 312 7.8 5.5 2.46
• Boil the broken wheat and green gram dhal with required amount of water (for 1 cup broken
wheat add 3 cups of water)
• When the mixture turns soft and water is absorbed, add powdered jaggery
• Add oil and boil till the jaggery leaves the sides of the vessel
2.8 TAMARIND RICE (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Rice 50 173 3.4 0.25 0.50
Bengal gram dhal 5 19 1.0 0.28 0.20
Curry Leaves 2 2 0.1 0.02 0.02
149
Cooking oil 5 45 0.0 5.00 0.33
Tamarind Pulp 8 23 0.2 0.01
Dry red chillies 2 5 0.3 0.12
Cumin 1 4 0.2 0.20 0.52
Turmeric 0.5 2 0.03 0.03
Salt 1 0 0.0 0.00
Groundnuts 5 28 1.3 2.01 0.25
Fuel 130 0 0.0 0.00 0.27
Total 301 6.6 7.9 2.09
• Cook the rice till soft and done with required amount of water (for 1 cup rice add 2 cups of
water) and keep aside to cool
• Heat oil in a pan and season with dry red chillies, bengal gram, curry leaves and turmeric
powder. Add groundnuts and fry till it loses its raw flavour
• Add the thick tamarind pulp and the required quantity of salt and bring to a boil till thick
consistency is achieved
• Cool it to room temperature
• Pour this mixture over the cooked and cooled rice, mix well and serve
2.9 RICE KHEER (6 Months - 6 Years Children)
Rice 25 86 1.7 0.12 0.25
Sugar 10 40 0.01 0.00 0.15
Milk 100 210 4.3 6.48 2.50
Fuel 130 0 0.0 0.00 0.27

Total 336 6.01 6.6 3.17
• Clean and wash the rice
• Boil milk, add rice and cook till semi solid
• Add sugar
150
Annexures
2.10 RAJMAH CHAWAL (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Rice 50 173 3.4 0.21 0.50
Rajmah 25 87 5.7 0.30 0.90
Tomatoes 20 4 0.2 0.04 0.84
Onions 15 7.5 0.2 0.02
Red Chilli Powder 3 7.4 0.5 0.20
Turmeric 0.5 1.8 0.03 0.03 0.84
Garam Masala 0.5 1.5 0.07 0.05
Salt 1 0 0.0 0.00
Oil 5 45 0.0 5.0 0.33
Fuel 130 0 0.0 0.00 0.27
Total 327 10.1 5.85 3.68
• Cook the rice and keep aside
• Soak the rajmah and boil it till soft
• Add sugar In a pan, fry the ground onions till brown
• Add tomatoes and fry till water evaporates
• Add all the spices and the boiled rajmah
• Cook for a few minutes, sprinkle garam masala and serve hot
• Serve the rajmah with hot rice
2.11 POHA (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Rice Flakes 35 121 2.3 0.42 1.05
Potatoes 30 29 0.5 0.03
Carrots 15 7 0.1 0.03 0.56
Curry leaves 2 2 0.1 0.02
Groundnuts 10 57 2.6 3.98 0.50
Cumin 1 3.6 0.2 0.15
Turmeric 0.5 1.8 0.03 0.03 0.10
Salt 1 0 0.0 0.00
Oil 10 90 0.0 10 0.66
Fuel 130 0 0.0 0.00 0.27
Total 312 5.6 14.6 3.14
151
Wash thoroughly and soak the rice flakes for 5 minutes, drain and keep aside
Roast groundnuts, remove skin and keep aside
Cut the potatoes and carrots and boil and keep aside
Heat oil, add cumin and curry leaves, add the boiled vegetables
Add the groundnuts, salt, turmeric and the rice flakes
Mix well, cook for 2 minutes and serve hot
2.12 POORI-CHOLE (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Poori
Wheat flour 40 136 4.8 0.64 0.60
Oil 5 45 0.0 5.00 0.33
Chole
Kabuli chana 20 72 3.4 1.07 0.82
Potatoes 10 10 0.2 0.01
0.24
Tomatoes 10 2 0.1 0.02
Oil 5 45 0.0 5.00 0.33
Ginger 1 1 0.02 0.00
Garlic 1 2 0.06 0.00
Garam Masala 1 3 0.2 0.10
Turmeric 0.5 2 0.03 0.03
0.57
Tamarind 5 14 0.2 0.00
Red Chilli Powder 3 7 0.5 0.2
Cumin 1 4 0.2 0.2
Salt 1 0 0.0 0.00
Fuel 130 0 0.0 0.00 0.27
Total 343 9.7 12.3 3.16
• Make dough, divide into small balls, roll into pooris and deep fry
• Soak chana overnight, boil, drain and keep aside
• In a pan, add oil, fry ground ginger and garlic till brown.
• Add all the spices except tamarind
• Add the boiled chana and boiled potatoes, cook for a few minutes.
• Add the tamarind pulp, garam masala and garnish with chopped tomatoes
152
Annexures
2.13 THEPLA (6 Months - 6 Years Children)

Wheat flour 60 206 7.3 1.02 0.90
Fenugreek leaves 10 5 0.4 0.09 0.12
Green chillies 2 1 0.1 0.01
Red chillie powder 2 5 0.3 0.12
Ginger 1 1 0.02 0.00
Garlic 1 2 0.06 0.00 0.36
Turmeric 0.5 2 0.03 0.03
Cumin seeds 1 4 0.2 0.20
Salt 1 0 0.0 0.00
Oil 10 90 0.0 10.00 0.66
Fuel 130 0 0.0 0.00 0.27
Total 316 8.4 11.5 2.31
• Combine together all the ingredients with the wheat flour
• Knead into a dough by adding 5 gm of oil. Set aside for 15 minutes
• Prepare medium sized balls, roll into a round shape like a chapathi
• Roast them on a pan on both the sides properly by applying oil
• Remove when well roasted
• Serve hot
2.14 SUMMARY (Average Nutritive Value and Cost per Recipe)

S.No. Recipe
1. Mitha Daliya 306 10.5 4.93 2.15
2. Namkeen Daliya 306 12.1 8.0 2.22
3. Kichidi 309 7.1 5.5 2.02
4. Vegetable Upma 300 8.8 8 2.89
5. Kesariya Upma/Halwa 325 10.0 7.6 2.26
6. Sweet Pongal 311 6.0 5.4 1.96
7. Broken Wheat Porridge 312 7.8 5.5 2.46
8. Tamarind Rice 301 6.6 7.9 2.09
9. Rice Kheer 336 6.01 6.6 3.17
153

S.No. Recipe
10. Rajmah Chawal 327 10.1 5.85 3.68
11. Poha 312 5.6 14.6 3.14
12. Poori-Chole 343 9.7 12.3 3.16
13. Thepla 316 8.4 11.5 2.31
TOTAL 3167 76.1 83.2 26.88
Average 317 7.6 8.3 2.69
PRICES OF COMMODITIES
Average Cost
Food Commodity
(Rs./kg of food commodity)
CPI-RL (Labour Bureau: GoI- May 2008)
Pulses 40.84
Edible Oils & Fats 65.43
Vegetables 11.92
Condiments & Spices + Salt 42.00
Fuel 02.05
Local Prices (Hyderabad: Dec. 2008)
Rice 10.00
Wheat 15.00
Broken Wheat or Dalia 20.00
Sugar 15.00
Jaggery 30.00
Groundnuts 50.00
Rice Flakes 30.00
Ragi or Bajra 25.00
OPTIONAL MENUS CONSISTING OF EGG, MILK AND BANANA

Menu: 1
Nutritive Value
Average Cost (Rs.)
Name of Food Stuff ENERGY PROTEIN
Weight (gm) [Per Child /Day]
(Kcal) (gm)
Egg [1 No.] 50 2.50 87 6.7
Milk [150 ml] [Buffalo] 3.75 176 6.5
Total: 6.25 263 13.2
154
Annexures
Menu: 2
Nutritive Value
Average Cost (Rs.)
Name of Food Stuff
Weight (gm) [Per Child /Day] ENERGY PROTEIN
(Kcal) (gm)
Banana (Ripe) [1 No.] 100 1.70 116 1.2
Milk [150 ml] [Buffalo] 3.75 176 6.5
Total 5.25 292 7.7
155
ANNEXURE IV
Skill Training for Instructors of MLTCs/AWTCs
on New WHO Growth Standards in ICDS
Day, Date & Session Topic Learning Training Content Methodology Training Aids/
Time Objectives Materials
Day 1 Registration Registration of participants and

9.00 -9.30 distribution of Kit
a.m.
9.30 am – Welcome & • To create an • Welcome of the participants • Self • Charts and
10.30 am Introduction environment • Introductory Address by Head of Introduction colour pens
to facilitate the Institution/Division by participants for conducting
the interaction • Introduction to the Training Defreezing
among Programme games
participants  Briefing on objectives, programme
schedule, working hours
• To apprise • Introduction to the Training • Information
participants about Institute dissemination
156
the objectives • Self-introduction by participants
and methodology and sharing of information about
of the course the family, home and place of
work
Instructions for Course Director
 Course Director may assign
responsibilities to participants
by rotation for classroom
management
 Every day one trainee should be
given the responsibility of preparing
the report of the day which should
be read in the class and put on the
board the next day
 Participants may be divided into
groups of 4/5 for group exercises
during the programme
10.30 am – I Nutritional • To discuss the • Discussion on situation of children, • Lecture cum • Charts and
11.30 am Status of situation of adolescent girls and on following discussion posters
Women & women and indicators • Pictorial • Reference
Children children in the  Demography/Vital Statistics representation booklets on
country/area • Total population highlighting statistics and
• Highlight the • Population of children (0-6yrs) the statistics population tables
causes of dismal by sex, adolescent girls and and • Film on
situation of women in country/states malnutrition malnutrition
children and • Population growth rate cycle
women • Sex ratio
• To create • System of registration of birth
awareness about and death
the problem of • Death and birth rate by sex and
malnutrition age group
• Update  Health Status
information on • Mortality among children (0-6
recent statistics yrs) by age group and by sex
• Crude Death Rate
157
• Low birth weight babies
• Morbidity – definition,
incidence/prevalence of
common childhood diseases
• Maternal mortality rate of
women
• Immunisation status of children
and expectant mothers
 Nutritional Status
• Malnutrition among children
and women
• Number of undernourished,
wasted and stunted children by
age and sex
• Number of children suffering
from micro-nutrient deficiencies
i.e. blindness due to vitamin-A
deficiency, nutritional anaemia,
and iodine deficiency disorders
Annexures
11.30 am – II Current use of • To understand • Need and importance of monitoring • Lecture cum • Growth charts,
1.00 pm Child Growth the need, growth of a child from birth discussion weighing
Standards in importance and onwards • Demonstration machine
India process of growth • Frequency of monitoring growth of of tools
monitoring children 0-3 yrs and 3-6 yrs
• To discuss the • Criteria and identification of ‘At

existing growth risk’ children
monitoring tools • Tools & Techniques for growth
for child growth monitoring
standards Growth charts, weighing scales,
weighing baskets etc
• Discuss five steps of growth
monitoring (Trainers to explain
through demonstration)
 Assessing the age of the child
 Weighing
 Plotting
158
 Interpretation
 Counselling
2.00 pm – III Introduction • To apprise • Introduction of new WHO Child • Lecture-cum • Tools for
3.30 pm of New WHO participants to growth standards –Concept and discussion monitoring the
Child Growth new WHO child evolution • Demonstration growth of child
Standard : growth standards • Need for adoption of new of new tools i.e. New growth
Evolution & standards charts - boys
Concept • Difference between existing and and girls and
new growth standards weighting
• Type of growth charts for assessing machines
the growth of the child
3.30 p.m. – IV Adoption of • Discuss the need • Implication of new WHO child • Lecture-cum • Tools for
4.30 pm New WHO for adoption of growth standards discussion monitoring the
Child Growth new standards • Demonstration growth of child
Standards of new tools i.e. New growth
in India, its charts - boys
implications, and girls and
plotting and weighting
interpretation machines
4.30 p.m. – V Mother • To discuss the • Need for developing the Mother • Discussion • Mother and child
5.30 p.m and Child contents and and Child Protection Card (MCPC) on various protection card
Protection use of MCPC and its importance sections of the and guide book
Card – A for gaining • Using MCPC and as discussion tool card
Counselling knowledge  for using all available services • Demonstration
Package related to  for practicing optimal care of MCP Card
children’s health, behaviour followed b
nutrition and  for monitoring and promoting y practice
development growth and development of exercise
children
• To learn, • Method for filling MCP Card
understand
and follow the
positive practices
for achieving
good health
• To know about
various services
159
available in the
area
• To enhance the
capabilities of
participants to
make decisions
for good health
Annexures
Day 2 I Weighing, • Recapitulate • Discuss five steps of growth • Demonstration • Tools
9.00 am – plotting and the need, monitoring (Trainers to explain and practice &Techniques
12.00 noon interpretation importance and through demonstration) exercise for growth
process of growth  Recording correct date of birth and • Role play by monitoring
monitoring. ways to interpret correct age of the trainees on  Growth charts,
• Assess the age of child Counselling weighing scales,

the child correctly  Weighing of children a Mother weighing baskets
using local events  Plotting the weight on growth of a Child etc
calendar chart not Gaining
• Weigh the child  Interpreting the growth curve and Weight/
accurately trends of growth of the child not giving
• Plot the weight of  Nutrition counselling using growth complementary
the child on the chart foods at six
growth chart  Responsive and active feeding, months
• Analyze and How can a child be encouraged to
interpret the eat?
growth charts • Class Assignment: Each trainee to
160
• Counsel the practice exercises on assessment
mother/child care of correct age, weighing objects in
giver place of child, plotting of the weight
• Identify ‘At Risk’ on growth chart, interpreting growth
children. curve. Trainers to supervise and
discuss interpretation of growth
12.00 noon – II Infant & • Understand • Optimal infant and young child • Lecture cum • Film on breast
1.00 pm Young Child optimal infant feeding - definition and importance discussion feeding
Feeding & and young child • National guidelines on IYCF • Flip chart/
Counselling feeding  Breastfeeding – early initiation, poster on
• Know dangers of colostrum feeding, exclusive breastfeeding and
artificial feeding breastfeeding upto six months and complementary
and importance Prelacteal feeding feeding
of exclusive  Dangers of artificial feeding before
breastfeeding 6 months of age
• Discuss current Breast milk production and flow
recommendations  Prolactin reflex, Oxytocin reflex
on infant and  Positioning of the baby at the
young child breast
feeding  Helping mother for correct
• Describe correct attachment
positioning of the  Breast conditions
baby at the breast • Complementary feeding – Need
• Acquire skills to and type of foods
161
help the mother  Guidelines on complementary
in successful feeding
breastfeeding • Age-specific nutritional requirements
of children 2-6 years
• Home Assignment – Trainees
would be required to write two
nutritious recipes of complementary
foods for children - one for children
under 2 years of age and another
for children 2-6 years of age and
submit the next day
Annexures
2.00 pm-3.00 III Film on • To emphasize • Film depicting five steps on growth • Screening • Film on growth
pm Growth steps of growth monitoring of film and monitoring
Monitoring in monitoring by discussion
ICDS viewing a film
3.00 pm – IV Exercise Group Exercises
5.00 pm discussion
Instructions • Trainers to give instructions to
for field visit trainees to visit AWC for conducting
growth monitoring of children
• Trainers to provide a schedule of
activities to trainees
Day 3 I Practical • To provide hands • Instructions for Course Director • Supervised • Growth charts
9.00 am – session on on experience • Trainees to be divided into small Practice and weighing
1.00 pm weighing, to participants groups and practice growth machines
plotting and on weighing, monitoring on children
interpretation plotting,
in the field (in interpreting the
162
groups) growth of the
child
• Enhance the skills
of participants
in counselling
mothers
`1.30 pm – II Feedback of • To discuss the • Presentation of cases by • Experience • Question-Answer
3.00 pm field visit experiences of the participants sharing on visit Session
participants to AWC and
presentation of
group reports
3.00 pm – Concluding
4.00 pm Session
ANSWERS OF EXERCISES
Annexures
ANNEXURE V
ANSWERS OF EXERCISES
Exercise 1
1. Increase, 2. Healthy, 3 (i) Optimum health, (ii) Optimum nutrition and (iii) Optimum
environment, 4 (i) Determining correct age of child, (ii) Accurate weighing of child, (iii)
Plotting the weight on growth chart, (iv) Interpreting the direction of the growth curve, (v)
Discussing the child’s growth and follow up action with the mother.
Exercise 2
1. (a) Accurate growth monitoring, 1. (b) (i) MCP card; (ii) birth certificate; (iii) questioning the
mother; and (iv) trained birth attendant(TBA). 3. 21 October 2008. 4. 22 October 2005. 6.
11 months.
Exercise 4
(i) Index; Serial No., child’s name, date of birth, Birth registration no., father’s and mother’s
name, family survey registration no., page no. of Growth Chart
(ii) Information box (iii) Date of birth (iv) birth; first (v) month (white boxes); (vi) correctly;
(vii) weight (a) intersect of month and weight (b) encircle c) HB pencil (viii) line;
growth.
Exercise 5
(B) (1) February 2006, (2) Local events calendar, C Pink, D. 2/06 E. fill as asked F(1)Two years
and 10 months (2) Three years and 8 months.
Exercise 6
(B) (i) 5 days ; (ii) 7 days/one week; (iii) 9 days/one week (iv) 16 days/two weeks (v) 23 days/three
weeks
(C) As child gains weight rapidly in first two months i.e. around 800 grams per month . Jancy
birth weight is 2.5 kg and she gained around 600 grams in 3 weeks. Her growth curve goes
upward. This is good .It is essential to weigh child weekly in the first month.
Exercise 7
(B) With the help of birth certificate/ by questioning the mother regarding any festivals; events,
season etc. just before or after Aashish’s birth.
(C) (1) March 2005; From local events calendar – Holi was celebrated on 25 March 2005 and 15
days before this would be 10 March 2005, (2) Blue, (4) one year and one month (5) Monitoring of
his growth would not have been done accurately.
Exercise 8
A (2) August 2007; C (3) Upward; (4) 600 g: this is not sufficient as a breastfed infant gains
800 grams weight each month during first two months D (2) Moderately Underweight 3)
165
upward 4) Although the direction of the growth curve is upward the weight gain between
October and November 2007 is only 300 grams. This is not sufficient. Therefore, the growth
curve is not an adequate upward curve.
Exercise 9
C (3) Growth curve (4) flat, indicating no growth (5) this is dangerous, because Jeevan Lal has
not gained weight (6) Normal (7) Although Jeevan Lal is in normal grade, his growth curve
indicates that he has not grown. This is not good. D (3) Downward (4) This is dangerous,
because Jeevan Lal has lost weight.
Exercise 10
C (1) No, birth weight less than 2.5 kg is not adequate called as low birth weight 2) Neeta is
low birth weight baby and is therefore ‘at risk’ of morbidity and mortality. Show the growth
chart to the mother and discuss the following points. (It is important to first take mothers
opinion on the various points and then give advice):
Visit her as early as possible and give advice about colostrum to give her protection against
diseases. Educate her on the need to give colostrum.
Breast feed every 2-3 hours. An underweight baby needs encouragement to suck well. The
more the baby is breast-fed, the more milk will be produced.
Rema should eat more food and drink 6-8 glasses of water also everyday to produce good
amount of breast milk.
Rema should come to the AWC for supplementary food or give her THR; Explain to her the
need to eat this food for babies health and her own health.
Educate her about exclusive breastfeeding.
Give Neeta BCG immunisation
She should bring Neeta for weighing each week. Explain to her the need to weigh LBWB and
Preterm babies every week in order to know the extent of growth of the child during first two
months. However, a normal birth weight child should be weighed every month.
Keep the baby clean.
D (2) No, this gain is inadequate, because Neeta has gained 400 gm (A one month old baby
should gain about 800 gm every month for two months) (3) Show growth chart to Rema and
tell her that her child has gained weight but it is not adequate. Find out from her the reasons
for inadequate weight gain–whether child was sick, frequency and duration of feed, what
all and how much food she is eating etc. Reinforce the messages which may have caused
inadequate weight gain; E1) Upward 2) This is good. Neeta has gained 400-500 gm weight
every month. It would be even better if she gained 600 gm every month.
166
Annexures
3) Although she is moderately underweight, Neeta has been gaining about 400 gm every
month during December 2005 – March 2006; this is good. Mother should be encouraged to
intensify the good work and devote more time for breastfeeding and ensure immunisation.
F. He would have been in the category of severely underweight children.
Exercise 11
B 1) Upward, 2) It is very good, because it shows that Dharam Pal is gaining weight and is
growing 3) Show her the growth chart and tell her that her child is growing very well: ask
her to continue breast-feeding the child, eating and drinking well herself, advice her about
immunisations i.e BCG, DPT, polio and measles.
C.1) Show her the growth chart and tell her that her child is growing well; ask if Dharam
Pal received immunisations. If not, ask the reasons for not getting immunised. Inform dates
and place of immunisation so that they can be given at any early date; ask Rajwati about
continuing breastfeeding for six months and eating well herself.
D.1) Show the mother the growth chart and tell her that Dharam Pal has not grown; ask
her if she has reduced breastfeeding and has started giving water: If she has started, ask
her to continue breast feeding and give complementary food. Explain complementary food;
find out if Dharam Pal had any illness; if child was immunised find out how many doses of
immunisations; ask Rajwati to bring child for weighing.
E.1) Flat 2) he is moderately underweight 3) although Dharam Pal is still in moderately

underweight grade, he has not grown for two months and this is not good 4) show Rajwati
Dharam Pal’s growth chart and tell her that he has not grown for 2 months and this has
concerned you: visit to her house and see yourself the quantity of food she gives to the child
along with breast milk as complementary feeding is essential. He should eat 4-5 times in a
day; ask Rajwati to give food before giving breast milk; she can add some oil in the food to
increase caloric content; continue breast feeding; ask her to get Dharam Pal weighed next
month; if you find that Rajwati is feeding good quantity of food 4-5 times a day and there has
been no illness in the child, then you can ask mother to show him to a doctor to find out the
reasons for no growth for 2 months.
Exercise 12
B. 1) Ritu is seven months old in May 2007. 2) Show the mother Ritu’s growth chart and
explain to her that she is moderately underweight and she must bring her for weighing next
month to see how well she is growing; ask Rema to bring Ritu for supplementary feeding at
the AWC. Explain to her the purpose of giving supplementary food to Ritu; ask Rema what all
Ritu is eating. If Rema has not started any food, besides breast milk, explain to her the need to
introduce soft food. Suggest to her the foods she can start, by modifying the foods available
at home. Tell her to start with small quantity and increase the quantity gradually; if Rema
has started supplementary foods, ask her the quantity of food she gives to Ritu; encourage
Rema to continue breast feeding; ask Rema if Ritu has been immunised. If not, suggest
the place and the day on which she can get Ritu immunised. If Ritu has been immunised,
167
find out from Rema how many immunisations has Ritu received. If the immunisations are
incomplete, advise her to complete them or start them again, depending on the time gap.
C. 1) Show the growth chart of Ritu to her mother and explain to her the meaning of a flat
curve; ask Rema the possible reasons for Ritu not gaining weight; ask her if she had any
illness. If there was any illness, find out if the mother took prompt action (showed to the
doctor, gave ORS in case of diarrhoea and continued feeding during illness); ask Rema what
all food she is feeding Ritu; make a home visit to see the quantity of feed she is eating; Ritu
should eat around ½ katori of food at the one time; find out if she feeds 4-5 times, besides
breast feeding; suggest the addition of 1 tsp oil in Ritu’s food to increase the energy content;
ask if Rema is giving the food given at AWC to Ritu.
D. 1) The direction of the growth curve is upward 2) Though she is growing moderately
underweight this is slightly satisfactory considering that Ritu was not gaining weight earlier.
Although, from June-July 2007, July-August 2007 the weight gain only 250 gm per month
and from August-October’07 the weight gain is only 500 gm. 3) Show Rema the growth chart
of Ritu and tell her that her child has started gaining weight which can be seen by her growth
curve going in an upward direction. However, Rema should be told that the weight gain
should be more than 250 gm each month to cover up earlier low weight gains. Tell her that
she is not doing well and she has to work little more to ensure adequate weight gain; once
again find out from Rema the foods she is giving. Since Ritu is one year old in October 2007
tell Rema that Ritu should now start to eat half as much as adults at home eat. However,
if Ritu cannot eat the entire quantity at one meal she should be given 4-5 feeds in a day.
Inquire from her the reason for not coming for weighing in September; ask her to come for
weighing every month.
Exercise 13
A. 1) Pramod was born on August 2005; from the local events calendar –Independence
Day was celebrated on15 August 2005. Since Pramod was born on Independence Day, he
was born in August 2005, 3) eight months old. 4) show Meera the growth chart of Pramod
and tell her that her son is growing well; but he should gain little more weight each month;
encourage her to continue breast feeding; find out from her the foods she is giving, besides
breast milk, and the frequency and the quantity of food. Since Meera works the whole day,
suggest to her the modifications she can make in the food she cooks for others in the house,
to feed Pramod. Tell her that Pramod should eat ½ katori food at each feeding and that she
should feed 3-4 times a day, besides breast feeding; find out from September to October
2006, if Pramod has been immunised. If not, guide her the day and the place where she
can get the immunisation. If he has been immunised, find out if he has been given all the
doses.
B. 1) Pramod is severely underweight and that direction of the growth curve is downward,
this means that Pramod has lost weight. This is not good. 2) Meet the mother when she is
available and show the growth chart to her. Explain to her that her son has lost weight and
this is a source of concern. Find out if Pramod had any illness and what the mother did about
it. Find out the food she gives him; ask Meera to bring Pramod for therapeutic feeding at the
168
Annexures
Anganwadi. Explain to her the need for giving this food to Pramod. B.2) (i) If the child is ill:
a) Find out the illness – whether it was fever, diarrhea, cold, cough etc. b) explain to her to
continue feeding well cooked food to Pramod and continue breast feeding during illness,
c) if he had diarrhea, ask what she did. If she did not feed him oral rehydration solution,
teach her to make this by demonstrating with the ingredients available in her house. d) ask
her to be patient and persistent in feeding Pramod during illness, e) if the illness does not
subside in one or two days, advise her to see the doctor. (ii) About feeding in general: a)
continue breast feeding. b) increase the quantity of food Pramod eats. Feed him 5-6 times
a day to help him regain the lost weight. One of these feeds would be the supplementary
food at the AWC. Refer him to Health Centre and add 1 tsp. oil/ghee in Pramod’s food, if
mother can afford, check if the mother is using bottle for giving top milk or is using tinned
milk. Discourage her if she is doing this because bottle milk can add infections and instead
of tinned milk, she could give cow’s milk or buffalo’s milk (after removing the cream).
C. 1) Visit Meera when she is free and show her Pramod’s growth chart. Since there has to be
reason for the child loosing weight, try to find out the reason by questioning the mother and
by observing the home environment; ask mother to bring Pramod for therapeutic feeding,
give him as prescribed under ICDS. Insist that he eats two snack and one hot cooked meal
at the Anganwadi and takes the third THR at home; arrange for the mother to show the
child to ANM/MO at the PHC/Sub-centre or Anganwadi. Impress on the mother to take the
child to the doctor immediately; ask Meera to feed Pramod 5-6 times a day and increase the
quantity of food at each meal; impress on the mother that it is she who has to take action to
ensure that the child stops loosing weight and starts growing again. Ask her to bring Pramod
for weighing next month; Follow up this advice when you meet Meera during the month to
ensure that she has taken some action.
Exercise 15
1 (i) Birth date is not written at the margin of first month box; Birth weight is plotted incorrect;
and dotted lines are not used when child is not weighed/not available for weighing (ii) All
the monthly boxes have not been filled up; and AWW instead of writing August in the month
box she has written September (iii) Plotting of weights for April 2007 to August 2007 is
incorrect.
2 (i) Explain her that birth date should be written at the margin of the first month box, also
explain to put dotted line while plotting when the child is unavailable for weighing or weight
is not available. Explain to her that filling the month boxes up to 60 months will make her
work easy and this has to be done from the first day of plotting.
(ii)To plot the weights each month, she has only to locate the completed month and plot the
weight. It will also help to avoid mistakes of missing out a month or plotting weight in the
wrong month column.
(iii) Since the AWW has made a mistake in plotting weights, which are between 500 gm and
a kilogram, she probably does not know how to plot these weights correctly. You should
explain this to her that she has to record weight with 100 gm fractions and use marking
169
accordingly to plot these weights. Correct one plotting in front of the AWW and then ask her
to correct the second plotting according to the advice. Make the AWW correct this mistake
in other growth charts in the growth chart register.
Exercise 16
A.1) (a) The information box has not been filled, (b) Till August 2006, there is too uniform
weight gain, from March-August 2007 peculiar growth pattern which is a little unusual.
(2) (a) Make the AWW complete the information box. (b) From the weights written below the
age column, it can be seen that all the weights are either in kilograms or 500 gm. Probably,
the AWW is rounding off the weights to 500 gm. The child, after 6 months, gains 200-300
gm every month. Due to rounding off the weights to 500 gm, the weight gain is not evident
every month. Ask the AWW to weigh a child and explain how to read the weight to the
nearest 100 gm.
Exercise 17
Ask the AWW about total number of families and the children in these families enlisted as
beneficiaries at the AWC. Find out the number of children, especially between birth-3 years,
whose growth charts are not being maintained. Explain to the AWW that monitoring the
growth of younger children is more important since they grow rapidly and at the same time
are vulnerable to diseases. Discuss with her any problems she faces to reach these children.
Work out some solutions to ensure that these children are weighed. Ask the AWW to call
some of the mothers whose children have been missed out. Help her to weigh these children
and start the growth charts. Talk to these mothers and explain to them they must get their
children weighed after a month’s gap.
Exercise 18
A. (i) AWW did not show the growth chart to the mother to explain her that Rashmi had
not gained weight in last month. (ii) AWW did not ask the mother reasons for the child not
gaining weight or – any illness, (iii) since Rashmi is 7 months old in October, 2007; the
AWW should first ask if the mother has started solid foods. If not, then AWW should tell her
(a) the need to start soft foods (if she has not started) (b) If she has started soft food, ask her
the quantity of food she gives. (iv) The statement that mother should make use of services
of the Anganwadi is very vague. She should explain to the mother that the Anganwadi will
provide supplementary food to Rashmi to help her gain weight and she should come to the
AWC every day at 11.00 a.m. (or at the time when supplementary food is given).
170
Annexures
Growth chart of Tanya (Exercise 5)
171
Growth chart of Jancy (Exercise 6)
172
Annexures
Growth chart of Aashish (Exercise 7)
173
Growth chart of Ram (Exercise 8)
174
Annexures
Growth chart of Jeevan Lal (Exercise 9)
175
Growth chart of Neeta (Exercise 10)
176
Annexures
Growth chart of Dharam Pal (Exercise 11)
177
Growth chart of Ritu (Exercise 12)
178
Annexures
Growth chart of Pramod (Exercise 13)
179
GROWTH MONITORING
MANUAL

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GROWTH MONITORING

National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development

National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development

Chapter-I Introduction to growth monitoring 1-10

Chapter-II Determining the correct age of the child 11-16

Chapter-III Accurate and safe weighing of infants and children 17-34

Chapter-IV Plotting weight on the growth chart 35-54

Chapter-V Interpreting the growth curve 55-78

Chapter-VII Organising and accomplishing the task of growth monitoring 109-116

Chapter-VIII Role of supervisor in growth monitoring 117-133

Annexure-I Local events calendar 137

Annexure-II Mother and Child Protection Card 138-139

Annexure-III Recipes of Micronutrient-fortified food/Energy-dense food for 140-155

Annexure-IV Skill training for Instructors of MLTCs/AWTCs on New WHO 156-162

Annexure-V Answers of exercises 163-179

S.NO PICTURE/TABLE NO DETAILS OF PICTURE/TABLE

1 PICTURE 1.1 STEPS OF GROWING A SEED AND CHANGING INTO A

2 PICTURE 1.2 AN EGG TO BIRD

3 PICTURE1.3 GROWTH OF ANIMAL

4 PICTURE1.4 DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN

5 TABLE 1.1 NORMAL WEIGHT GAIN OF CHILDREN BIRTH TO THREE

6 PICTURE 3.1 SALTER SCALE OF 100 GM DIVISIONS

7 PICTURE 3.2 PARTS OF SALTER SCALE AND HANGING THE SCALE

8 PICTURE 3.3 ADJUSTING OF THE NEEDLE

9 PICTURE 3.4 PUTTING THE CHILD IN THE PANTS

10 PICTURE 3.5 WEIGHING THE CHILD OR INFANT

11 PICTURE 3.6 READING THE SCALE

12 PICTURE 3.7 BAR SCALE WITH 50 GRAMS DIVISIONS

13 PICTURE 3.8 BAR SCALE WITH 100 GM. DIVISIONS

14 PICTURE 3.9 HANGING THE BAR SCALE

15 PICTURE 3.10 BALANCING THE BAR SCALE

16 PICTURE 3.11 BALANCING THE BAR SCALE

17 PICTURE 3.12 BALANCING THE BAR SCALE

18 PICTURE 3.13 READING THE SCALE

19 PICTURE 3.14 PUTTING THE CHILD IN THE BASKET

20 PICTURE 3.15 WEIGHING A CHILD

21 PICTURE 3.16 WEIGHING AN INFANT

22 PICTURE 3.17 READING THE WEIGHT OF THE CHILD

23 PICTURE 3.18 WEIGHING A CHILD WHO WEIGHS MORE THAN 10

24 PICTURE 3.19 TARING WEIGHING SCALE

25 PICTURE 3.20 MOTHER’S WEIGHT ALONE IN THE TARING SCALE

26 PICTURE 3.21 TARING THE SCALE

27 PICTURE 3.22 CHILD‘S WEIGHT ON THE TARING SCALE

28 PICTURE 3. 23 PICTURE OF A CHILD WHOSE WEIGHT IS BEING

29 PICTURE 4.1(a) A NEW WHO GROWTH CHART FOR GIRLS

PICTURE 4.1(b) A NEW WHO GROWTH CHART FOR BOYS

30 PICTURE 4.2(a) NEW WHO GROWTH CHART FOR GIRLS SHOWING

PICTURE 4.2(b) A NEW WHO GROWTH CHART FOR BOYS SHOWING

31 PICTURE 4.3 NEW WHO GROWTH CHART SHOWING PLOTTING OF

32 PICTURE 4.4 NEW WHO GROWTH CHART SHOWING A GROWTH

33 PICTURE 5.1 A MARASMIC CHILD

34 PICTURE 5. 2 A CHILD WITH KWASHIORKOR

35 PICTURE 5. 3 A CHILD WITH OEDEMA OF BOTH FEET

36 PICTURE 5. 4 GROWTH CHART OF CHILDREN WITH CLINICAL SIGNS

37 PICTURE 5. 5(A) NORMAL EYE

PICTURE 5. 5(B) BITOT SPOT IN EYES (VITAMIN-A DEFICIENCY)

PICTURE 5. 5(C) HEALED BITOT SPOT IN EYE

38 PICTURE 5. 6(A) SPOON-SHAPED NAILS WITH IRON DEFICIENCY

PICTURE 5. 6(B) NAILS WITH IRON DEFICIENCY

i)___________ ii)_ iii)________________

(i) _ (ii) _

(iii) _ (iv) _