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Infant feeding patterns in the first 6 months: an assessment in full-term infants

Neta Nevo1, Lisa Rubin, Ada Tamir

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health, Israel.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|August 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Parents frequently switch infant formulas due to perceived issues like regurgitation or restlessness, often without consulting healthcare professionals. These changes are common in the first six months of a baby's life.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infant Nutrition
  • Consumer Behavior

Background:

  • The infant formula market is extensive, offering diverse products for infant growth stages.
  • Healthy infants often experience unnecessary formula changes.
  • This study investigates factors driving formula switches in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify factors influencing infant formula changes within the first six months of life.
  • To understand parental choices regarding initial formula selection and subsequent modifications.
  • To examine reasons for supplementing breastfeeding with formula and formula thickening practices.

Main Methods:

  • Interviewed 200 parents of infants aged 6 to 18 months using a detailed questionnaire.
  • Conducted interviews in child and maternal health care centers.
  • Focused on feeding patterns, specifically infant formula changes, in the first six months.

Main Results:

  • 47% of infants changed formula within the first 6 months; 67% switched to another cow's milk-based formula.
  • Primary reasons for switching were regurgitation (24%) and restlessness (18%).
  • Lower birth z scores and higher Deltaz2 were linked to more formula changes; healthcare professional influence was minimal.

Conclusions:

  • Parental concerns about common infant symptoms (perceived intolerance) are the main driver for formula switching.
  • Parents typically decide to switch formulas independently, without consulting healthcare professionals.
  • This highlights a gap in professional guidance for infant feeding decisions.
Abstract

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