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Training Module: Accurately Weighing and Measuring: Equipment

Scales for weighing infants
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2. Scales for Weighing Infants

An accurate and reliable scale for weighing infants can be either beam balance or electronic. It is desirable that the scale have a maximum weight of 20 kilograms or 40 pounds and weigh in 10 gram or 1/2 ounce increments. Safety and accuracy dictate that the scale have a large enough tray to fully support the infant. The scale should be easily ‘zeroed’ without any weight on it. Further, it should have features that enable calibration. Length devices attached to infant scales are notably inaccurate because they do not have a stable footpiece.

Infant being weighed   Check Quality beam balance or electronic
  Check Weighs to 20 kg or 40 lb
  Check Weighs in 0.01 kg (10 gm) or 1/2 oz increments
  Check Tray large enough to support the infant
  Check Can be easily ‘zeroed’
  Check Can be calibrated
  Cross No length device attached


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