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A Systematic Review of the Relation between Complementary Feeding and Children's Development

Alice Di Prete1, Amy T Galloway2, Claire Farrow3

  • 1Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy. alice.diprete@uniroma1.it.

Current Nutrition Reports
|August 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

High-quality infant diets and positive feeding approaches are linked to better cognitive, social, and language development. More research is needed to confirm these links across diverse global populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Existing research on complementary feeding often overlooks diet quality and feeding approaches.
  • Many studies focus on Western populations, limiting global insights into infant development.
  • Knowledge gaps exist regarding the impact of specific feeding practices on infant developmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the relationship between diet quality and feeding approach during complementary feeding.
  • To assess the impact of these factors on infant cognitive development, social cognition, and language.
  • To identify research gaps and promote a global perspective in complementary feeding studies.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature.
  • Analysis of studies examining complementary feeding practices and infant development.
  • Synthesis of findings on diet quality, feeding approach, and developmental outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Positive associations found between diet quality and cognitive, language, social cognition, and general development.
  • A link was observed between feeding approach and language development.
  • While many studies show significant relationships, some findings were non-significant, indicating a need for further research.

Conclusions:

  • Diet quality and feeding approach appear to be important factors influencing infant development.
  • Further research is warranted to strengthen evidence, particularly from diverse global contexts.
  • Understanding these relationships can inform healthier complementary feeding strategies worldwide.
Abstract

Keywords:
Baby-led weaningComplementary feedingInfant developmentInfant dietWeaning approach

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