"The first year after birth is the time when habits and preferences are
beginning to be formed, and it is important to begin to foster healthy eating
habits early," write the authors of an article published in the January 2004
supplement to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. The article presents
findings from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study, which was designed to
update knowledge of food and nutrient intake, growth and motor development, and
feeding patterns of American infants and toddlers. The authors describe
infant feeding patterns including breastfeeding status and the use of infant
formula and transitions from breast milk and infant formula to complementary foods,
table foods, and other beverages. The authors also discuss the relevance of
these findings to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) infant feeding
recommendations and Healthy People 2010 goals.
The study population consisted of 3,022 infants and toddlers ages 4-24 months
(70% non-Hispanic white, 7% non-Hispanic black, 9% Hispanic, and 5%
multiracial or of "other" or unknown race). The main outcome measures were
breastfeeding, timing of introduction of complementary foods, and adherence to AAP infant
feeding recommendations.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids
=14702015&dopt=Abstract
The authors found that
* About three-fourths of the infants and toddlers were breast fed, and 7% of
the toddlers (ages 12-24) months were currently breastfeeding.
* Almost all the exclusively breast fed infants were under age 6 months,
representing 17% of infants ages 4-5.9 months and 1% of infants ages 6-8 months --
short of Healthy People 2010 goals.
* About 80% of infants ages 4-5.9 months and over 90% of older infants and
toddlers were fed infant formula on a daily basis.
* About 20% of toddlers were introduced to cow's milk on a daily basis at age
11 months -- one month earlier than the AAP-recommended 12 months.
* One-third of infants ages 9-11 months consumed snack items such as
crackers, pretzels, and rice cakes, and about 4% consumed baked goods such as cakes,
cookies, pastries, pies, and baked items.
* About two-thirds of the infants were introduced to complementary foods
between the ages of 4 and 6 months -- the period recommended by AAP.
The authors conclude that "most parents and caregivers can benefit from
guidance about the following: (a) introducing appropriate first solid foods such as
iron-fortified infant cereals and meats when the infant is developmentally
ready, (b) offering a healthy variety of foods such as soft fruits, cooked
vegetables, soft cheeses, and fortified grain products in place of energy-dense but
micronutrient-poor items, and (c) breastfeeding as long as possible
throughout the first year."
Briefel RR, Reidy K, Karwe V, et al. 2004. Feeding Infants and Toddlers
Study: Improvements needed in meeting infant feeding recommendations. Journal of
the American Dietetic Association 104(1, Suppl. 1):S31-S44.
Kathleen Fallon Pasakarnis, M.Ed. IBCLC
Nurturing Family Lactation and Parenting Services
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