2020 edition of the Rourke Baby Record: What is new in preventive care of children up to 5 years of age?

Abstract

Objective: To update primary care providers practising well-child and well-baby clinical care on the evidence that contributed to the recommendations of the 2020 edition of the Rourke Baby Record (RBR).

Quality of evidence: Pediatric preventive care literature was searched from June 2016 to May 2019, primary research studies were reviewed and critically appraised using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology, and recommendations were updated where there was support from the literature.

Main message: Notable changes in the 2020 edition of the RBR include the recommendations to limit or avoid consumption of highly processed foods high in dietary sodium, to ensure safe sleep (healthy infants should sleep on their backs and on a firm surface for every sleep, and should sleep in a crib, cradle, or bassinette in the parents' room for the first 6 months of life), to not swaddle infants after they attempt to roll, to inquire about food insecurity, to encourage parents to read and sing to infants and children, to limit screen time for children younger than 2 years of age (although it is accepted for videocalling), to educate parents on risks and harms associated with e-cigarettes and cannabis, to avoid pesticide use, to wash all fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled, to be aware of the new Canadian Caries Risk Assessment Tool, to note new red flags for cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental problems, and to pay attention to updated high-risk groups for lead and anemia screening.

Conclusion: The RBR endeavours to guide clinicians in providing evidence-informed primary care to Canadian children. The revisions are rigorously considered and are based on appraisal of a growing, albeit still limited, evidence base for pediatric preventive care.

Table 1.

Revisions to the 2020 RBR: Modifications highlighted in bold.

Table 1.

Revisions to the 2020 RBR: Modifications highlighted in bold.

Table 1.

Revisions to the 2020 RBR: Modifications highlighted in bold.