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Feeding patterns of urban black infants
I M Parraga1, M A Weber, A Engel
1Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland.
Insights
This study tracked infant feeding practices for 116 urban Black infants from 3 weeks to 6 months. Most infants received formula, and baby food introduction was common by 4 months, with commercial products preferred.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
- Infant Health
Background:
- Understanding infant feeding patterns is crucial for healthy development.
- Previous research indicates variations in infant feeding practices across different demographics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feeding patterns of urban Black infants.
- To document the introduction of solid foods and types of milk consumed.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 116 urban Black infants was studied from 3 weeks to 6 months of age.
- Dietary data collected via diet history and food frequency checklist at well-child visits.
- Trained interviewers administered data collection tools.
Main Results:
- At 3 weeks, 20% were breastfed, 58% formula-fed, and 22% partially breastfed.
- Baby food consumption increased from 20% at 3 weeks to 98% by 6 months.
- Commercial baby foods were more common than homemade; infant cereal was introduced first.
Conclusions:
- Urban Black infants show a high prevalence of formula feeding and early introduction of baby foods.
- Commercial baby foods are widely adopted, with specific introduction sequences observed.
- Water and sugar water were frequently given to infants in this population.
Abstract:
Feeding patterns of 116 urban black infants were studied from 3 weeks to 6 months of age. Dietary data were collected using a diet history and a food frequency checklist completed by trained interviewers at each well child clinic visit at 3 weeks and at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. At 3 weeks, 20% of the infants were solely breast fed, 58% were formula fed, and 22% were partially breast fed. Twenty percent of 3-week-old infants were receiving baby foods. This increased to 48% at 2 months, and to 72% at 4 months. By 6 months of age, 98% of infants received baby foods. Nursing mothers tended to introduce baby foods later than formula-feeding mothers. This is consistent with other studies. Commercially prepared baby foods were used much more commonly than were foods prepared at home. Infant cereal was most often introduced first, followed by strained juices, strained fruits, strained vegetables, combination dinners, desserts, and plain meats, in that order. Table foods contributed very little to caloric intakes of infants less than 4 months of age. Liberal amounts of water and sugar water were given to infants in this cultural group.