Head Circumference or OFC (Occipital Frontal Circumference) is measure over the most prominent part on the back of the head (occiput) and just above the eyebrows (supraorbital ridges). This can be translated to mean the largest circumference of the head.
Children under 4 years normally have their head circumference measured and plot on the UK-WHO growth charts and assessed for abnormal head size or shape. If abnormalities of head shape or size suspected, please consult a specialist for investigation. This is to rule out the possibility of brain growth disorders or raised intracranial pressure.
Using standardised methods of measurement, including plotting measurements on a standardised growth chart, ensures accuracy and consistency when making referral decisions.
To accurately measure head circumference of a baby, a simple and tools is needed.
i) First, the measuring tape must be non-stretchable.
ii) It is suggested that tape be 7 to 13 mm wide.
iii) Ideally an "insertion tape" with colour-coded marking is used to provide ease of reading (without overlapping the edges of as normal tape measure).
iv) The tape should have 1mm increments resolution.
Our non-stretchable Lasso-o measuring tape meets all the criteria and has been used for research and clinical purposes.
Re-Usable LASSO-O Head Circumference Measuring Tape
With the re-usable Lasso-o, the healthcare professionals and parents can measure any circumference to the nearest millimeter. It is manufactured from paper-thin, non-stretch, non-shrink plastic ‘synteape’. It is most often used to measure head circumferences, where measuring with either material (sewing) tape or paper tape is inappropriate.
Because of their accuracy and ease of use, Lasso-o are now being used for research as well as clinical purposes: the recent MAFF and Department of Health National Diet and Nutrition Survey used the tape for taking both head and mid-upper-arm circumference measurements (MUAC).
For Mimos pillows sizes: XS, S, M, L, and P