The anthropometry of Western Samoan pre-school children.

A limited survey of the physical characteristics of Western Samoan pre-school children was conducted. The Samoan children appear larger than their European counterparts in early infancy, although this difference is lost by nine months of age. There is a need to establish standards of growth for Western Samoan children. Until these standards are available caution is advised when comparing Samoan infant growth parameters with UK norms.