Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
[The effect of breast feeding on anthropometric indicators in very young children]
Insights
Longer breastfeeding duration (over four months) initially resulted in lighter infants but led to more harmonious growth by age three. Weight differences balanced over time, with some positive impact on height increments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Development
- Nutritional Science
Context:
- Study analyzed growth in 4,217 Southern Moravia children from birth to three years.
- Anthropometric data were assessed based on birth weight subgroups.
- Breastfeeding duration was the primary independent variable.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the relationship between breastfeeding duration and child growth up to three years of age.
- To determine the impact of breastfeeding on anthropometric measurements including weight, height, and circumferences.
- To assess the influence on growth indices and proportionality.
Summary:
- Infants breastfed longer than four months were lighter in the first six months but showed balanced weight by age three.
- Height and weight increments showed variations, with longer breastfeeding correlating with more harmonious growth indices.
- Head and chest circumferences were minimally affected by breastfeeding duration.
Impact:
- Findings suggest breastfeeding duration influences early growth patterns and proportionality.
- Provides insights into long-term growth trajectories related to infant feeding practices.
- Highlights the nuanced effects of breastfeeding on different anthropometric measures.
Abstract:
In a group of 4,217 children from Southern Moravia the authors evaluated growth from birth to the age of three years in relation to breastfeeding. The basic anthropometric data were evaluated in sub-groups made with regard to birth weight. Infants who were breastfed longer than four months were lighter during the first half year, as compared with those breastfed for a shorter period; at the age of one year this difference disappeared, in the second year they tended to have a higher weight, in the third year the differences were balanced. The same was manifested in weight increments. The influence on height was not so marked and was manifested mainly in the difference of increments. The head circumference and chest circumference was not much influenced. Evaluation of indices of proportionality revealed a more harmonious growth in children who were breastfed for a longer period.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Nature and Nurture
Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the small...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
Development of Human Microbiota
Development of the Oral Microbiota

