Background and Aims
Early growth is important in predicting later metabolic risks especially obesity and Type II diabetes. The study was conducted in the UK population to collect longitudinal anthropometric and body composition measurements following children from infancy to their pre-pubertal age.

The research was carried out by a small team of highly skilled experienced paediatric nurses which helped them gain a good rapport with the parents and this reflected in the quality and accuracy of our data.

Methods
The Cambridge Baby Growth Study (CBGS) is a prospective observational cohort which commenced in 2001-2010 (N=1,658), followed by CBGSII 2011-current day (N=450). We collected data from birth to 3 years, all were recruited from a single site maternity unit. We then re-invited a small subset of children from the original study, Cambridge Baby Growth Outcome Study (CBGOS) between ages 5-10 years (N=266).

Results
Overall parental feedback was positive as reflected in our participant retention rates: CBGS 67%, CBGOS 44% and CBGSII is continuing. Some challenges we have faced include: initial recruitment and retention of participants, this was overcome by offering home visits, flexible clinic appointments and maintaining rapport with the families. Parental anxieties were addressed and reassurance paramount at each visit. Regular newsletters helped to keep the parents informed about the progress of the studies.

Conclusions
The success of the CBGS has relied on both the altruism of the families and the continuity and expertise of the Paediatric Research team.

NURSING, PRACTICAL CHALLENGES AND PARENTAL PERSPECTIVES OF LONGITUDINAL ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS, INCLUDING PEA POD AND DEXA SCANS, FROM 'THE CAMBRIDGE BABY GROWTH STUDIES'.