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Published on: July 29, 2020
[The nutrition situation of young children in Flanders]
Insights
This study on infant feeding habits in Flanders found overall appropriate diets for young children. Recommendations are provided to enhance breastfeeding and promote healthy eating practices for children aged 0-2 years.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health Policy
- Infant Feeding Practices
Background:
- Understanding current infant feeding habits is crucial for effective feeding policies.
- Previous research has not comprehensively profiled dietary habits of young children in Flanders.
- The influence of various information channels on feeding practices requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feeding habits of children aged 0-2 years in Flanders.
- To identify factors influencing breastfeeding initiation, maintenance, and cessation.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for promoting healthy infant feeding and breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative research.
- Qualitative inquiry focused on breastfeeding determinants.
- Quantitative analysis of 2925 parental diaries detailing dietary composition, eating habits, and parental support for children aged 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.
Main Results:
- The study provides a comprehensive profile of infant dietary habits in Flanders.
- Overall, feeding habits among young infants in the region appear to be appropriate.
- Key factors influencing breastfeeding dynamics were identified.
Conclusions:
- Infant feeding habits in Flanders are generally appropriate.
- Specific proposals are made to enhance breastfeeding rates and further improve healthy eating patterns.
- The findings support the development of targeted public health interventions for infant nutrition.
Abstract:
Knowledge of the present feeding habits and the impact of different information channels are mandatory for developing an appropriate feeding policy. The" Socio-Economisch Instituut (SEIN)", the "Universiteit Hasselt", and paediatricians of the Virga Jesse Hospital conducted a study on the feeding habits of young children between the age of 0 and 2 years in Flanders. This study was ordered by Kind en Gezin. Special attention was paid to breastfeeding. The study uses qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative research is limited to questions about breastfeeding such as which factors influence initiating, maintaining and ending breastfeeding. The quantitative research investigates through diaries the dietary composition, the eating habits and the parental educational support. Parents of young children aged 3, 6, 12 and 24 months throughout Flanders were questioned. The response rate was 71%, resulting in 2925 diaries that were analyzed. The study gives a comprehensive profile of the dietary habits of young children in the Flanders. Overall, feeding habits in these young infants seem to be appropriate. Concrete proposals to promote breastfeeding and to further improve healthy feeding habits in this age group are made.
