What Has Changed over Years on Complementary Feeding in Italy: An Update

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutrition Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Complementary feeding (CF) practices are influenced by socio-cultural factors.
• Previous research documented Italian CF approaches in 2015-2017.
• Updated data is needed to assess nationwide changes and regional disparities in CF recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update data on Italian complementary feeding (CF) practices.
• To determine if CF habits have changed nationwide since 2015-2017.
• To analyze regional trends and persistent differences in CF recommendations.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire on CF recommendations was distributed to Italian primary care pediatricians (PCPs).
• Survey responses (n=595) were compared to a previous study from 2015-2017.
• Data analysis focused on changes in recommended feeding methods and timing.

Main Results:

• The recommendation for traditional weaning significantly decreased (41% vs. 60%).
• Endorsement of baby-led weaning (BLW) and adult food tastings increased.
• Commercial baby food recommendations declined; BLW remains more prevalent in Northern and Central Italy.

Conclusions:

• Italian pediatricians increasingly recommend BLW and adult food tastings for complementary feeding.
• Traditional spoon-feeding recommendations have decreased.
• Regional variations in BLW adoption persist, indicating ongoing socio-cultural influences.