Prevalence, patterns, and determinants of breastfeeding cessation among mothers of children under 24 months in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding duration is a critical component of infant and child nutrition, providing immediate and long-term benefits to both children and their mothers. This study uses data from the lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) survey to examine the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of breastfeeding cessation in Uganda. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of data collected by the cross-sectional LQAS surveys in 2021 and 2022 covering 77 districts in Uganda. The LQAS survey methodology employs a systematic sampling approach to assess whether predefined quality standards are met within specific subgroups of a population. The study employed spatial analysis, bivariate analysis and logistic regression, both with and without clustering, to explore associations between independent variables and breastfeeding cessation. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: Overall, the study analysed 26,377 records of mothers with children under 24 months old. The mothers' mean age was 27.9 years while that of their children was 11.0 months. While the general breastfeeding cessation rate was 17.7%, cessation was highest (49.7%) among mothers of children 18-23 months. Factors associated with increased odds of breastfeeding cessation included older child's age, older mother's age, using modern family planning, being pregnant and having an unknown pregnancy status. Lower odds of breastfeeding cessation were observed among mothers who; were married, lived in larger households, lived in rural residences, whose children received vitamin A supplementation and among all other regions compared to Kampala. CONCLUSION: One in five mothers cessed breastfeeding before their child reached 2 years, with a significant increase in cessation odds among mothers of older children. These findings underscore the importance of interventions to promote breastfeeding continuation and adequate nutrition for non-breastfed infants, particularly in regions with high cessation rates.

Early initiation of complementary feeding practice and its associated factors among children aged 6 to 24 months in Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Even if there is currently no research on food integration practices, there is an unreliable hole in the data for the first motives, especially 6 to 24 months, research at ages varies in different ways, always, but the child's development affects an important part of both the child and the parents. This gap limits our comprehensive knowledge of strategic choices and-their potential impact on children's overall health and well-being. Therefore, the aim of this study was factors shaping complementary feeding for 6 to 24-Month-Olds in Northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based survey was conducted in northeastern Ethiopia from June to July 2022. A sample of 409 mothers with infants aged 6 to 24 months was selected using a simple random sampling method. A structured questionnaire was adopted and data were collected by an interviewer. Collected data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and subsequently converted to SPSS version 21 for further analysis. Variables with a P-value < = 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression model. Multivariable logistic regression analyses aimed at identifying independent associations between early initiation of supplement feeding and determinants-adjusted odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the strength of associations. P-values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 409 mothers with their children were included in the analysis, revealing a prevalence of 38.1% for early initiation of complementary feeding among children aged 6-24 months. Factors associated with -early initiation included place of residence (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 3.63, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.1-11.95), husband's educational status (AOR 16.83, 95% CI 1.98-24.8), maternal occupation (AOR 21.2, 95% CI 1.11-46.9), number of antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR 25.94, 95% CI 22.7-85.67), initial breastfeeding time (AOR 4.98, 95% CI 1.22-14.9), and medical illness (AOR 2.81, 95% CI 1.12-3.6. CONCLUSION: Significant associations with Complementary Feeding were identified with the number of antenatal care (ANC) visits, postnatal care (PNC) check-ups, current residency, breastfeeding initiation time, maternal medical illness, and occupational status. To mitigate the early initiation of complementary feeding, it is recommended to enhance ANC/PNC services and educate mothers about the precise timing for introducing complementary foods to their infants.

Responsive feeding patterns during early childhood in urban areas. Argentina, 2018-2019. / Patrones de alimentación perceptiva durante la primera infancia en conglomerados urbanos. Argentina, 2018-19.

Introduction. Dietary quality involves both the quantity and quality of food offered, the way and the setting in which it is offered, and the responses of the person offering it. The objective of this study was to identify behavioral patterns related to responsive feeding in children aged 6 to 23 months in urban areas from Argentina in 2018-2019. Population and methods. Secondary analysis based on data from the second National Survey on Nutrition and Health of 2018-2019 conducted in a multistage probability sample from urban areas of 5000 inhabitants or more in Argentina. A descriptive analysis and a principal component analysis were performed to identify responsive feeding patterns in 4379 children aged 6 to 23 months. Results. Five responsive feeding patterns were identified; the first 2 dimensions explained 71.1% of inertia (p = 0.013). The pattern with a prevailing possibility of experimentation, autonomy, interaction, and the absence of screens, rewards and distractions was associated with children older than 12 months from the central and south regions (Cuyo, Pampa, Greater Buenos Aires, and Patagonia), whereas the pattern related to a lower autonomy, experimentation, and self-regulation corresponded to children aged 6 to 11 months from the Northwest and Northeast regions. Conclusion. There is evidence of responsive feeding practices that correspond to distinguishable patterns, associated with different stages of life and with the region where the children live.

Introducción. La calidad de la alimentación implica tanto la cantidad y calidad de los alimentos que se ofrecen como la forma en que se ofrecen, el entorno y las respuestas de quien los ofrece. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar patrones de comportamiento relacionados a la alimentación perceptiva en niños entre 6 y 23 meses de áreas urbanas de la Argentina en 2018-19. Población y métodos. Análisis secundario de datos de la 2.a Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición y Salud 2018-19, de una muestra probabilística polietápica de localidades urbanas de 5000 habitantes y más de Argentina. Se realizó análisis descriptivo y análisis de componentes principales para identificar los patrones de alimentación perceptiva en 4379 niños y niñas de 6 a 23 meses. Resultados. Se identificaron cinco patrones de alimentación perceptiva, las dos primeras dimensiones explicaron el 71,1 % de la inercia (p = 0,013). El patrón donde prevalecía la posibilidad de experimentación, la autonomía, la interacción y la ausencia de pantallas, premios y distracciones se asoció a niños/as mayores de 12 meses, de las regiones del centro y sur (Cuyo, Pampeana, Gran Buenos Aires y Patagonia), mientras que el patrón relacionado con menor autonomía, experimentación y autorregulación correspondió a las regiones Noroeste y Noreste, y a niños/as entre 6 y 11 meses. Conclusión. Se evidencian prácticas de alimentación perceptiva que se corresponden con patrones diferenciados entre sí, asociados a diferentes etapas y a la región donde viven los niños/as.

Association of parental level of education and child factors on length-for-age indicator among socially vulnerable children aged 6-24 months from a Brazilian state using Structural Equation Modelling.

This cross-sectional study employs Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to explore both direct and indirect effects of parental level of education and child individual factors on the length-for-age outcomes in children aged 6-24 months assisted by the Bolsa Família Program in the State of Alagoas. A total of 1,448 children were analyzed by the SEM technique. A negative standardize direct effect (SED) of the children's younger age (SED: -0.06; p=0.017), the use of bottle feeding (SED: -0.11; p<0.001), and lack a minimum acceptable diet (SED: -0.09; p<0.001) on the length-for-age indicator was found. Being female (SDE: 0.08; p=0.001), the higher birth weight (SDE: 0.33; p<0.001), being ever breastfed (SED: 0.07; p=0.004) and a higher level of parental education (SDE: 0.09; p<0.001) showed a positive SDE effect on the child's length-for-age. The model also demonstrated a negative standardize indirect effect (SIE) of the sweet beverage consumption (SIE: -0.08; p=0.003) and a positive effect of being ever breastfed (SIE: 0.06; p=0.017) on the child's length-for-age through parental level of education as a mediator. This research underscores the crucial role of proper feeding practices and provide valuable insights for the development of targeted interventions, policies, and programs to improve the nutritional well-being and promote adequate linear growth and development among young children facing similar challenges.

Baby Food Pouches, Baby-Led Weaning, and Iron Status in New Zealand Infants: An Observational Study.

Iron deficiency in infants can impact development, and there are concerns that the use of baby food pouches and baby-led weaning may impair iron status. First Foods New Zealand (FFNZ) was an observational study of 625 New Zealand infants aged 6.9 to 10.1 months. Feeding methods were defined based on parental reports of infant feeding at "around 6 months of age": "frequent" baby food pouch use (five+ times per week) and "full baby-led weaning" (the infant primarily self-feeds). Iron status was assessed using a venepuncture blood sample. The estimated prevalence of suboptimal iron status was 23%, but neither feeding method significantly predicted body iron concentrations nor the odds of iron sufficiency after controlling for potential confounding factors including infant formula intake. Adjusted ORs for iron sufficiency were 1.50 (95% CI: 0.67-3.39) for frequent pouch users compared to non-pouch users and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.45-1.87) for baby-led weaning compared to traditional spoon-feeding. Contrary to concerns, there was no evidence that baby food pouch use or baby-led weaning, as currently practiced in New Zealand, were associated with poorer iron status in this age group. However, notable levels of suboptimal iron status, regardless of the feeding method, emphasise the ongoing need for paying attention to infant iron nutrition.

Effect of a Nutritional Education Program on Children's Undernutrition in Indonesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: To assess effects of a nutritional education program on improving mothers' undernutrition knowledge, self-efficacy, and complementary feeding practices, and reducing undernutrition in children aged <2 years. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a community healthcare center in Indonesia. The intervention group participated in a 4-week nutritional education program; the control group received standard care (n = 80; 1:1 ratio). Measurements consisted of mothers' knowledge of undernutrition, self-efficacy, and complementary feeding practices, and children's anthropometric indicators. RESULTS: Intervention group mothers improved their understanding of undernutrition, self-efficacy, and complementary feeding practices compared to the control group. Additionally, children in the intervention group exhibited increased mean Z-scores for stunting, wasting, and being underweight at 12 and 24 weeks following the intervention. DISCUSSION: Healthcare professionals can regularly provide nutritional education programs related to managing undernutrition and complementary feeding practices for mothers with children aged <2 years to prevent and improve undernutrition.

Time to initiate complementary feeding and its predictors among primipara mothers who have infants aged 6-12 months in the Awi zone, northwest Ethiopia.

Introduction: The timely initiation of complementary feeding is essential to reduce infant mortality. In Ethiopia, 37.5 % of mothers did not initiate complementary feeding to their infants in time. However, previous studies could not identify the time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara mothers. Therefore, this study aims to identify the time to initiate complementary feeding and its predictors among primipara mothers with infants aged 6-12 months in the Awi zone, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 732 primipara mothers who had infants aged 6-12 months from January 1, 2022, to December 30, 2022. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants through questionnaires administered by interviewers. Data were entered into EPI-data 3.1 and exported to STATA 17 for further analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve together with the log-rank test was used to assess the survival experience of the infant at specific times and to compare the survival of the infant in it between different categorical independent variables. Bivariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to identify significant predictors. Model fitness was also assessed using the Schoenfield residual and the Cox-Snell global residual test. Statistical significance was declared at the p-value <0.05. Result: The median time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara mother-infant pairs was 6 ± 2 months. The overall incidence rate of complementary feeding initiation before, at and after 6 months of age of the infant was 7.28 (95%CI: 6.44, 8.25), 41.41 (95%CI: 36.05, 47.56), and 42.97 (95%CI: 36.89, 50.05) per 100 person-month observations, respectively. Among those mothers who initiated complementary feeding for their infants, 249, 200, and 165 initiated complementary feeding before, at and after 6 months of age of the infants. Furthermore, the age (15-24 years) of mothers (AHR: 1.63, 95%CI: 1.16, 2.29), rich wealth (AHR: 1.35, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.75), and richest wealth (AHR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.10, 1.84) were identified as statistically significant predictors of the time to initiate complementary feeding. Conclusions: The median time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara mother-infant pairs was 6 months. The age of the mother and the wealth status of the household were found to be statistically independent predictors of the time to initiate complementary feeding. Therefore, community health professionals are better able to work on when to initiate complementary feeding to infants of rich and richest young primipara mothers.

Early feeding and nutritional status of Portuguese children in the first 36 months of life: EPACI Portugal 2012-a national representative cross-sectional study.

Background: Early feeding practices have a critical role in the future not only in health but also in modulating eating habits. This study aimed to assess breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices and the nutritional status of Portuguese toddlers aged 0-36 months. Methods: EPACI Portugal 2012 is a cross-sectional study of a national representative sample. Trained interviewers collected data about early feeding practices and anthropometrics. Body mass index was classified according to World Health Organization criteria. Frequencies and survival analysis were used to characterize variables. Results: More than 90% of children were initiated breastfeeding, around 20% were exclusively breastfed for six months, and about 20% were breastfed at 12 months while complementary feeding was taking place. Exclusive breastfeeding was determined by maternal prepregnancy body mass index (HR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00, 1.03, P=.03) and low birth weight (HR 1.61; IC 95% 1.21, 2.15, P=.001) of the infants. About 90% were initiated complementary feeding between four and six months, and almost 10% were introduced to cow's milk before 12 months. In the second year of life, 83.2% and 61.6% of toddlers have already consumed nectars and sweet desserts, respectively. About one-third of Portuguese toddlers showed a body mass index z-score >1, and 6.6% were overweight/obese (z-score >2). No association was found between the duration of breastfeeding or timing of complementary feeding and the body mass index z-score in children. Conclusions: Despite the low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at six months, Portuguese infants effectively comply with dietary recommendations during the first year of life. The transition to the family diet must be carefully made. There is a high prevalence of Portuguese toddlers at least at overweight risk. The duration of breastfeeding or timing of complementary feeding was not associated with the expression of overweight/obesity.

Late Preterm Newborns: Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Practices.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with successful breastfeeding in late preterm infants (LPIs) and explore the initiation of complementary feeding; Methods: Prospective cohort study was conducted of infants born at 34+0 to 36+6 weeks gestational age in the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics during 2020-2021. Families were followed up until the infants reached 12 months of age. Average breastfeeding initial time, average breastfeeding duration time, prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and average solid-food feeding initiation time were examined. The correlations among factors that might affect breastfeeding rates were calculated using the chi-square test (p < 0.05); Results: In our study with 222 eligible participants, we observed a statistically significant delay in breastfeeding initiation only in the 34+0+6 gestational age group (p < 0.001). At discharge, the 36+0+6 group exhibited a significantly higher exclusive breastfeeding rate (p < 0.001). Over the first year, breastfeeding rates varied, with no correlation found between duration of exclusive breastfeeding and gestational age. Initial solid-food feeding times were similar across groups, and all infants were introduced to vegetables first; Conclusions: Vaginal delivery, skin-to-skin contact after birth, early rooming-in, and breastfeeding within 2 h after birth statistically significantly causes earlier breastfeeding initiation and longer duration of breastfeeding in LPIs. All infants began solid-food feeding at an average age of 5 months, with vegetables being the primary food choice.

Junk food use and neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes in infants in low-resource settings.

Introduction: Feeding infants a sub-optimal diet deprives them of critical nutrients for their physical and cognitive development. The objective of this study is to describe the intake of foods of low nutritional value (junk foods) and identify the association with growth and developmental outcomes in infants up to 18 months in low-resource settings. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from an iron-rich complementary foods (meat versus fortified cereal) randomized clinical trial on nutrition conducted in low-resource settings in four low- and middle-income countries (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala, Pakistan, and Zambia). Mothers in both study arms received nutritional messages on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months with continued breastfeeding up to at least 12 months. This study was designed to identify the socio-demographic predictors of feeding infants' complementary foods of low nutritional value (junk foods) and to assess the associations between prevalence of junk food use with neurodevelopment (assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II) and growth at 18 months. Results: 1,231 infants were enrolled, and 1,062 (86%) completed the study. Junk food feeding was more common in Guatemala, Pakistan, and Zambia than in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 7% of the infants were fed junk foods at 6 months which increased to 70% at 12 months. Non-exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months, higher maternal body mass index, more years of maternal and paternal education, and higher socioeconomic status were associated with feeding junk food. Prevalence of junk foods use was not associated with adverse neurodevelopmental or growth outcomes. Conclusion: The frequency of consumption of junk food was high in these low-resource settings but was not associated with adverse neurodevelopment or growth over the study period.

Infant feeding practices and body mass index up to 7.5 years in the French nationwide ELFE study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The infant diet represents one of the main modifiable determinants of early growth. This study aimed to investigate the associations of infant feeding practices with body mass index (BMI) until 7.5 years. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Analyses were based on data from the French nationwide ELFE birth cohort. Data on breastfeeding (BF) and complementary feeding (CF) were collected monthly from 2 to 10 months. Infant feeding practices were characterized using principal component analyses (PCA) and hierarchical ascendant classification. BMI z-score was computed at 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7.5 years, from data collected in the child's health booklet; 7.5-year overweight was defined according to IOTF references. Associations between infant feeding practices and BMI were investigated by linear regression models adjusted for main confounders. RESULTS: Ever breastfeeding was not associated with BMI up to 7.5 years. Compared to intermediate breastfeeding duration (1 to <3 months), longer breastfeeding duration (≥6 months) was related to lower 1-year BMI, but not at older ages. Compared to the recommended age at CF introduction (4-6 months), early CF (<4 months) was related to higher BMI up to 5 years with a similar trend at 7.5 years, but not to the risk of overweight. The PCA patterns characterized by early baby cereal introduction and late food pieces introduction or by frequent intake of main food groups were related to a lower BMI up to 7.5 years. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding was related with a lower BMI in infancy but not thereafter, whereas an early CF initiation (<4 months) was associated with a higher BMI in childhood.

Inequality in breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in Argentina by household income level in 2018-2019. / Desigualdad en las prácticas de lactancia y alimentación complementaria en la Argentina, según nivel de ingresos del hogar en 2018-19.

Introduction. Diet quality is a right related to survival, healthy growth, prevention of chronic diseases, and malnutrition in all its forms. The objective of this study was to analyze breastfeeding and feeding practices in children younger than 2 years from urban areas of Argentina in 2018-2019 according to their household income level. Population and methods. Secondary analysis of data of the Second National Survey on Nutrition and Health (ENNyS2) of 2018-2019. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding indicators proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) were analized. Data were stratified by household income level. Results. The analysis included 5763 children younger than 24 months old. Although 97% was ever breastfed, only 47% of infants younger than 6 months were exclusively breastfed the previous day and 48% continued with breastfeeding after 1 year old, with a higher prevalence in low-income children. The previous day, 23% of children aged 6 to 23 months did not eat any fruit or vegetable, 60% consumed unhealthy foods, and 50% consumed sweet beverages. The consumption of sweet beverages and the absence of fruit and vegetables were higher in low-income households. Conclusion. The quality of children's diet is far from the recommendations and is conditioned by income. Early initiation of breastfeeding, minimum dietary diversity, fruit and vegetable consumption are lower and sweet beverage consumption is greater in impoverished sectors.

Introducción. La calidad de la alimentación es un derecho vinculado con la supervivencia, el crecimiento saludable, la prevención de enfermedades crónicas y malnutrición en todas sus formas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar las prácticas de lactancia y de alimentación de menores de 2 años de áreas urbanas de la Argentina en 2018-19, según el nivel de ingreso de los hogares. Población y métodos. Estudio secundario con datos de la 2.a Encuesta Nacional de Nutrición y Salud 2018-19. Se analizaron indicadores de lactancia y alimentación complementaria, según metodología de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y Unicef. Se estratificó según nivel de ingresos del hogar. Resultados. El análisis incluyó 5763 menores de 24 meses. Aunque el 97 % fue alguna vez amamantado, solo el 47 % de los menores de 6 meses tuvo lactancia exclusiva el día previo y el 48 % mantenía la lactancia luego del año, con mayor prevalencia en los niños/as de menores ingresos. En el día previo, el 23 % de los niños/as de 6 a 23 meses no consumió ninguna verdura o fruta; el 60 % consumió alimentos no saludables y el 50 %, bebidas dulces. Las bebidas dulces y la ausencia de frutas y verduras fueron mayores en aquellos de hogares de menores ingresos. Conclusión. La calidad de la alimentación de los niños/as dista de las recomendaciones y está condicionada por los ingresos. En los sectores empobrecidos, es menor el inicio temprano de la lactancia, la diversidad alimentaria mínima y el consumo de frutas y verduras, y es mayor el consumo de bebidas dulces.

Complementary feeding practices of caregivers of infants with Down syndrome as compared to caregivers of typically developing infants.

Caregiver feeding practices during the complementary feeding period (6 months-2 years) may be particularly important for infants with Down syndrome (DS) as they are at higher risk for later health conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes) that can be influenced by early feeding practices. However, how well caregivers of infants with DS are meeting infant feeding evidence-based practices is relatively unknown. Caregivers of infants with DS (N = 75) and caregivers of typically developing (TD) infants (N = 66) aged 0-2 years completed an online survey about their infant feeding practices and information sources. Caregiver practices and information sources were statistically compared between groups. Results indicated that there are significant differences in the feeding practices of caregivers of infants with DS when compared to caregivers of TD infants. Caregivers of infants with DS were less likely to meet infant feeding evidence-based practices than caregivers of TD infants. Caregivers of infants with DS were also more concerned about their infant's food intake and later weight status. Some individual feeding practices also significantly differed between groups, with caregivers of infants with DS more likely to meet evidence-based practices of purchasing iron rich foods and avoiding added salt, but less likely to use responsive feeding practices than caregivers of TD infants. Caregivers of infants with DS were also less likely to receive information about how to navigate the complementary feeding period than caregivers of TD infants. Coupled with existing research, the results of the present study suggest that infant feeding evidence-based practices should be reviewed for their appropriateness for this population and additional support for caregivers of infants with DS should be implemented to help them navigate this important period.

Before and after study of a national complementary and supplementary feeding programme in Rwanda, 2017-2021.

To address high rates of malnutrition among children from vulnerable households in Rwanda, the government initiated a national food supplementation programme. A before and after evaluation, using repeat cross-sectional surveys in randomly selected villages was conducted; aimed at assessing the effectiveness of providing fortified blended food (FBF) to children 18-23 months of age, pregnant and lactating women in the lowest tier of Rwanda's social support system. Data were collected in 2017, 2018 and 2021 through interviews with caregivers; anthropometric measurements and a capillary blood sample were obtained from children. The primary statistical analysis compared the nutritional status of children before and after the introduction of FBF. We enroled 724 children during each survey. The prevalence of stunting declined from 47% to 35% between 2017 and 2021; in 2018, the prevalence of stunting was 43%. Children had a 42% reduction in the odds of being stunted (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.74, p < 0.001) from 2017 to 2021 even after adjusting for inherent, distal, proximal, and intermediate covariates. The reduction in stunting observed within the first year of the programme was not statistically significant (AOR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.67-1.03, p < 0.091). We observed meaningful reductions in the prevalence of stunting among children which coincided with the introduction of Government-led initiative to reduce malnutrition. The Rwandan Government has committed to improving the living conditions of vulnerable households and has made strong investments in reducing malnutrition. The impact of these investments can be seen in the overall trend towards improved nutritional status highlighted in this evaluation.

Contribution of Infant Food Pouches and Other Commercial Infant Foods to the Diets of Infants: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Although considerable concern has been expressed about the nutritional implications of infant food pouches, how they impact infant diet has not been examined. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of infant food pouches specifically, and commercial infant foods generally, to nutrient intake from complementary foods in infants. METHODS: Two multiple-pass 24-h diet recall data were collected from 645 infants (6.0-11.9 mo) in the First Foods and Young Foods New Zealand studies. Detailed information was obtained on commercial infant food use, including pouches, and nutrient composition was calculated through recipe modeling. RESULTS: The diverse sample (46.1% female; 21.1% Maori, 14.1% Asian, and 54.6% European) was aged (SD) 8.4 (0.9) mo. More than one-quarter of households had high socioeconomic deprivation. Almost half (45.3%) of infants consumed an infant food pouch on ≥1 recall day [mean (SD), 1.3 (0.9) times/d], obtaining 218 (124) kJ of energy on each eating occasion. Comparable numbers for all commercial infant and toddler foods (CITFs) were 78.0%, contributing 2.2 (1.6) and 140 (118) kJ of energy. Infant food pouches provided 25.5% of the total energy from complementary foods in those infants who consumed pouches on the recall days but just 11% in all infants. Median percentage contribution of infant food pouches to nutrient intake from complementary foods in consumers ranged from <1% (added sugars and retinol) to >30% (carbohydrate, total sugars, fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C). CITF contributed 21.4% of energy from complementary foods for infant consumers, with median percentage contribution ranging from 0.1% (retinol) to 40.3% (iron). CONCLUSIONS: Infant food pouches make relatively small contributions to energy intake in infants but are important sources of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and B-6. Almost half of the total sugars consumed from complementary foods is provided by these pouches. This trial was registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry as ACTRN12620000459921.

I'll Never Give Up: A Qualitative Study of Caregivers' Perceptions and Decisional Processes When Feeding Infants and Toddlers Novel and Disliked Foods.

OBJECTIVE: To better understand caregivers' decisional processes related to offering novel and disliked foods to their infants and toddlers. DESIGN: As part of a parent study on young children's food acceptance that took place in Denver, CO, this secondary analysis used a basic qualitative approach to explore caregivers' decisional processes related to repeated exposure and children's food rejection. PARTICIPANTS: English-speaking caregivers of infants and toddlers (aged 6-24 months; n = 106) were recruited via flyers and social media and interviewed (from July, 2017 to January, 2018) during a laboratory visit focused on introducing a novel food. PHENOMENON OF INTEREST: Factors influencing caregiver decisions to (dis)continue offering novel or disliked foods. ANALYSIS: Using a combined deductive and inductive coding approach, trained researchers coded transcripts and codes, which were reviewed and discussed by all investigators to identify themes. RESULTS: Three major themes (and 2 subthemes) were generated regarding caregivers' decisions about re-offering rejected foods: 1) Caregivers understand that multiple experiences with new foods are needed because children's reactions can be unpredictable and depend upon time, developmental stage, and child traits; 2) Caregivers vary in their persistence and decisions to keep offering foods depending on responsiveness to child cues (sub-theme) and adult-centered beliefs, needs, and decisions (sub-theme); 3) Child food acceptance will change with time, circumstances, and development if you keep trying. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Although caregivers are aware of repeated exposure, additional implementation research focused on translating theory into effective home practices could assist caregivers to persist in offering novel or disliked foods.

Early Infant Feeding Practices and Associations with Growth in Childhood.

Early infant growth trajectories have been linked to obesity risk. The aim of this study was to examine early infant feeding practices in association with anthropometric measures and risk of overweight/obesity in childhood. A total of 2492 children from Upstate KIDS, a population-based longitudinal cohort, were included for the analysis. Parents reported breastfeeding and complementary food introduction from 4 to 12 months on questionnaires. Weight and height were reported at 2-3 years of age and during later follow-up at 7-9 years of age. Age and sex z-scores were calculated. Linear mixed models were conducted, adjusting for maternal and child sociodemographic factors. Approximately 54% of infants were formula-fed at <5 months of age. Compared to those formula-fed, BMI- (adjusted B, -0.23; 95% CI: -0.42, -0.05) and weight-for-age z-scores (adjusted B, -0.16; -0.28, -0.03) were lower for those exclusively breastfed. Infants breastfed for ≥12 months had a lower risk of being overweight (aRR, 0.33; 0.18, 0.59) at 2-3 years, relative to formula-fed infants. Compared to introduction at <5 months, the introduction of fruits and vegetables between 5 and 8 months was associated with lower risk of obesity at 7-9 years (aRR, 0.45; 0.22, 0.93). The type and duration of breastfeeding and delayed introduction of certain complementary foods was associated with lower childhood BMI.

Complementary Feeding: Tradition, Innovation and Pitfalls.

According to WHO, "complementary feeding (CF) is the process starting when breast milk alone or infant formula alone is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of infants, and therefore, other foods and liquids are needed, along with breast human milk or a breastmilk substitute". CF is one of the most important "critical and sensitive periods" in human life: indeed, timing and approaches to solid foods introduction in an infant's nutrition are of utmost importance as potential epigenetic factors from infancy to adulthood. CF is also deeply influenced by each country and single-family traditions, culture, and beliefs. The aim of our narrative review is to analyze traditional CF practices, including innovative and alternative ones that emerged in the last decades, such as baby-led weaning or plant-based weaning, and to evaluate their effects on the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. Moreover, we will discuss pitfalls and misunderstandings that pediatricians frequently have to face when dealing with complementary feeding. Health care professionals must not have prejudices against parents' wishes or traditions about CF; rather, they should support and educate them in case of any alternative CF choice, always pursuing the infant's adequate growth, neuro- and taste development, and the achievement of correct eating behavior as the primary goal.

The effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding among mother-infant pairs in Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Despite strategies and recommendations for complementary feeding initiation were applied globally, mothers initiated complementary feeding to the infants on time was low. Previous works of literatures were not identified the effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding. Particularly, evidences regarding to this in Ethiopia is scanty. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the effect of parity on time to initiate complementary feeding among mother-infants pairs in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based prospective cohort study was carried out among 732 primipara, and 1464 multipara mothers who had a live birth in Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using Kobo collect software at the start of and on a monthly bases until the end of the follow up period. Parity as exposure variable and other confounders were analyzed using cox proportional hazard regression. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the Schoenfeld residuals global test (P-value = 0.4861) was performed. Hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to declare statistical significance of predictors. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate of initiation of complementary feeding among primipara and multipara mothers were 16.27 (95%CI: 15.04, 17.61) and 13.30 (95%CI: 12.53, 14.12) person months' observations respectively. The median time to initiate complementary feeding among primipara and multipara mothers for their infants was 5 and 6 months respectively. Primipara mothers had a 30% higher rate to initiate complementary feeding early (AHR = 1.30, 95%CI: 1.17, 1.43). Age from 15 to 24 and 25-34 years (AHR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.36, 2.09; and AHR = 1.45, 95%CI: 1.17, 1.81) and Birth type (twin) (AHR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.64) were statistically significant predictors for time to initiate complementary feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Parity was identified as a statistically significant predictor for time to initiate complementary feeding. The incidence rate of early and late initiation of complementary feeding was higher among primipara than multipara mothers. Besides, the median time to initiate complementary feeding was earlier among primipara than multipara mothers. So, a parity based complementary feeding practice education should be advocated to tackle the gap and further reduce infants and children malnutrition. Relatively younger age and twin delivered mothers initiated complementary feeding against the recommendation. Therefore, intervention considering such statistically significant predictors could have a public health importance.

[Association Between Dietary Diversity and Caregiver Self-Efficacy for Complementary Feeding Among Infants and Young Children Aged 6-23 Months in Rural Nanchong City,Sichuan Province].

Objective To analyze the current situation of dietary diversity and caregiver self-efficacy for complementary feeding among infants and young children aged 6 to 23 months in rural Nanchong city,Sichuan province,and to explore the relationship between dietary diversity and caregiver self-efficacy. Methods Multi-stage randomized cluster sampling method was used to select infants and young children aged 6 to 23 months and their caregivers in rural areas of Nanchong city,Sichuan province as the subjects.A structured questionnaire was designed to collect the basic information of the subjects,dietary diversity,and caregiver self-efficacy for complementary feeding.Multivariate Logistic regression was adopted to analyze the relationship between the dietary diversity and caregiver self-efficacy for complementary feeding of infants and young children. Results A total of 770 pairs of infants and young children and their caregivers were included.The minimum pass rate of dietary diversity was 61.56%(474/770) for all the infants and young children and 45.00%(108/240),69.16%(287/415),and 68.70%(79/115) for the infants and young children aged 6 to 11,12 to 17,and 18 to 23 months,respectively.The results of regression analysis showed that the caregiver self-efficacy of complementary feeding was a contributing factor for qualified dietary diversity of infants and young children in the case of other confounders being controlled(OR=1.42,95%CI=1.17-1.73,P<0.001). Conclusion The dietary diversity for infants and young children in rural Nanchong city,Sichuan province needs to be improved,and caregivers with higher self-efficacy of complementary feeding are more likely to provide diversified complementary feeding for infants and young children.