Infant egg consumption during introduction to solid food remains low in the United Kingdom but increases with infant age and a baby-led weaning approach.

BACKGROUND: As a nutritious food-providing protein, essential fatty acids, vitamin D, iodine and choline eggs have historically been central to an infant weaning diet. However, food poisoning scares and allergy concerns have contributed to low consumption among infants aged 6-12 months. METHODS: This paper presents a secondary data analysis of infant egg exposure and intake using three weaning data sets: a 7-day food frequency questionnaire (n = 297), a 24-h recall (n = 180) and a 3-day weighed food diary (n = 71). Egg introduction, frequency of consumption and intake in grams were analysed for infants aged 6-8, 9-10 and 11-12 months). Comparisons were made by whether infants were following a baby-led approach to weaning (where infants self-feed family foods) or a traditional approach where pureed foods are given alongside finger foods. Data were collected in the United Kingdom between 2015 and 2018. RESULTS: Our data showed that despite introduction being recommended from the start of weaning at 6 months of age by the Department of Health, just 54% of infants aged 6-8 months had ever been offered eggs. Average egg intake was one to two times per week, increasing with age. However, in terms of frequency and grams consumed, our data suggest a small increase in consumption compared with previous research, although limitations of our smaller sample size should be noted. Finally, a baby-led approach was associated with increased exposure and consumption; baby-led infants consumed eggs twice as frequently as spoon-fed infants. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have important implications for public health messaging and for supporting families in introducing solid foods.

Estimated energy and nutrient intake for infants following baby-led and traditional weaning approaches.

BACKGROUND: Baby-led weaning (BLW), where infants self-feed without the use of spoon-feeding by a caregiver, continues to be a popular approach for starting solids. However, concerns remain amongst health professionals that infants using this method may not consume sufficient energy or nutrients from solid foods. Little research has examined how different weaning approaches shape dietary intake. The present study aimed to use a 3-day weighed diet diary to measure estimated energy and nutrient intake in infants aged 6-12 months. METHODS: Diet diaries were completed by 71 parents and analysed to compare estimated infant intake from milk and solid foods for those either following a BLW or traditional spoon-feeding approach (TW). Intake was analysed for each weaning group in two age groups: 26-39 and 40-52 weeks, to account for different eating patterns at the start and end of the weaning process. RESULTS: For the younger infants, significant differences in estimated energy intake were found, with TW infants consuming 285 kcal from solid foods compared with 120 kcal for BLW infants. Conversely, BLW infants consumed more calories and nutrients from breast or formula milk, consistent with a slower transition to solid foods. No differences were found in estimated intake amongst older infants, suggesting that BLW infants had 'caught up' with their spoon-fed peers. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, few infants regardless of weaning group met recommended intake guidelines for energy (either over or under consuming) with many deficient in iron and zinc intake. The findings are important for those supporting parents through the transition to solid foods.