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Introduction of complementary feeding in 5 European countries

Sonia Schiess1, Veit Grote, Silvia Scaglioni

  • 1Division of Metabolic Diseases and Nutritional Medicine, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, München, Germany.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|June 23, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Complementary feeding, or introducing solids, often occurs earlier than recommended for infants across Europe, especially for formula-fed (FF) infants compared to breast-fed (BF) infants. Factors like younger maternal age and smoking influence early solid food introduction.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Infant Feeding Practices
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Complementary feeding practices vary significantly across Europe.
  • Understanding the timing of solid food introduction is crucial for infant health.
  • Current European recommendations for complementary feeding are not consistently followed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the timing of solid food introduction in healthy infants across five European countries.
  • To compare complementary feeding practices between breast-fed (BF) and formula-fed (FF) infants.
  • To identify predictors of early solid food introduction.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 1678 healthy term infants (588 BF, 1090 FF) was studied between October 2002 and June 2004.
  • Detailed food intake was recorded using 3-day weighed food protocols at multiple infant ages (1-12 months).
  • Statistical analysis, including multiple regression, was used to identify influencing factors.

Main Results:

  • Formula-fed infants received solids earlier (median 19 weeks) than breast-fed infants (median 21 weeks).
  • Significant percentages of infants, particularly FF, were introduced to solids before 4 months, earlier than recommended.
  • Low maternal age, lower education, and maternal smoking were associated with earlier solid introduction.

Conclusions:

  • Complementary feeding is initiated earlier than recommended for a substantial number of European infants.
  • Formula-fed infants show a higher prevalence of early solid introduction.
  • Targeted, country-specific parental education strategies are needed to promote adherence to feeding guidelines.
Abstract

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