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Early feeding practices and eating behaviour in preschool children: The CORALS cohort
Ana Daniela Ortega-Ramírez1,2,3, Ivie Reis Maneschy1,2,4, María L Miguel-Berges1,2,4
1Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development (GENUD) Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
Insights
Longer breastfeeding durations and initiating complementary feeding via baby-led weaning (BLW) or mixed methods are linked to better eating behaviors in children. These practices promote enjoyment of food and reduce food fussiness in toddlers and preschoolers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Childhood Development
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Childhood eating behaviors are crucial for long-term health.
- Understanding early feeding practices' impact on eating behavior is essential for obesity prevention.
- The influence of breastfeeding duration and complementary feeding methods on eating behavior requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between breastfeeding duration and complementary feeding methods with eating behavior in Spanish children aged 3-6 years.
- To identify early feeding predictors of positive eating habits.
- To inform public health strategies for promoting healthy eating in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 1215 Spanish children aged 3-6 years from a longitudinal cohort study.
- Data collected on breastfeeding duration and complementary feeding initiation methods (baby-led weaning, traditional/spoon, mixed).
- Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire used to assess eating behavior; generalized linear models applied for analysis.
Main Results:
- Children breastfed for ≥4 months showed significantly lower odds of being fussy eaters compared to those breastfed for <1 month.
- Initiating complementary feeding with baby-led weaning (BLW) or a mixed approach was associated with higher enjoyment of food (EF) scores.
- BLW and mixed methods were also linked to lower food fussiness (FF) scores in children aged 3-6 years.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding for at least 4 months is associated with reduced picky eating.
- Baby-led weaning and mixed feeding approaches promote greater food enjoyment and less fussiness.
- These findings support the promotion of extended breastfeeding and specific complementary feeding methods for positive long-term eating behaviors.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate if the duration of breastfeeding and the method at initiation of complementary feeding affect eating behaviour in children aged 3-6 years. This is a cross-sectional analysis from the Childhood Obesity Risk Assessment Longitudinal Study project, an ongoing longitudinal cohort study that aims to identify childhood obesity risk factors in Spanish children. A total of 1215 children aged 3-6 years were included. Breastfeeding duration and the method of initiation of complementary feeding [baby-led weaning (BLW), traditional/spoon or mixed method] were evaluated. Eating behaviour at 3-6 years was assessed with the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Generalized linear models were fitted to assess the association between the aforementioned exposures and eating behaviour. Children breastfed for ≥4 months were less likely to be fussy eaters at 3-6 years compared to those breastfed for <1 month (OR: 0.86 95% CI: 0.76-0.98; p = 0.031). Compared to those children using the traditional/spoon-feeding method, those initiating complementary feeding through BLW or through a mixed approach were more likely to have higher scores on the enjoyment of food (EF) (OR, 95% CI: 1.33, 1.13-1.57; p = 0.001 and 1.17, 1.05-1.30; p = 0.002, respectively) and lower scores on food fussiness (FF) at 3-6 years (0.76, 0.62-0.91; p = 0.004 and 0.87, 0.78-0.98; p = 0.033, respectively). Breastfeeding for ≥4 months and initiation of complementary feeding with the BLW and a mixed approach were associated with greater EF and lower FF, which should endure practice.
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