INSIGHT responsive parenting intervention and infant feeding practices: randomized clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Infant feeding practices are linked to childhood obesity risk.
• Responsive parenting (RP) interventions aim to prevent obesity by modifying feeding behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of an RP intervention on parents' infant feeding practices in the first year of life.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial (INSIGHT Study) with primiparous mothers.
• Intervention delivered through home visits and research center appointments.
• Feeding practices assessed via interviews, surveys, and food frequency questionnaires.

Main Results:

• RP mothers were more likely to use structured feeding (limit-setting, routines) by age 1 year.
• RP mothers were less likely to use non-responsive feeding (pressuring, soothing with food, bottle propping, bedtime bottles).
• No significant differences observed in the types of foods or food groups consumed.

Conclusions:

• RP guidance can prevent using food to soothe and encourage sensitive, structured feeding.
• This approach may reduce obesity risk by influencing infant feeding timing and methods.
• Early intervention in feeding practices is crucial for long-term health outcomes.