From breastmilk to family food. Infant feeding in three Swedish communities
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Swedish infant feeding practices show increased breastfeeding duration and early introduction of complementary foods. Higher socioeconomic status correlated with adherence to infant feeding recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Infant feeding practices are crucial for child development and long-term health.
- Understanding trends in infant nutrition is vital for public health initiatives.
- Previous data indicated low breastfeeding rates in Sweden during the early 1970s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally track the feeding habits of Swedish infants from birth to one year.
- To assess changes in breastfeeding duration and complementary food introduction.
- To investigate the influence of socioeconomic status on infant feeding behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study design.
- Inclusion of 312 Swedish infants followed from birth to 12 months.
- Data collection on breastfeeding duration, complementary feeding, and formula use.
Main Results:
- Breastfeeding duration has increased compared to the early 1970s.
- Complementary foods were typically introduced by three months of age.
- By six months, all infants consumed solids, and 90% received follow-up formula.
- Higher socioeconomic status was associated with greater adherence to feeding guidelines (breastfeeding, complementary foods, gluten, sucrose).
Conclusions:
- Swedish infant feeding patterns have evolved positively, with increased breastfeeding.
- Socioeconomic factors play a significant role in parental adherence to infant feeding recommendations.
- Continued monitoring of infant feeding practices is essential for public health strategies.
Abstract:
The feeding habits of 312 Swedish infants have been followed longitudinally from birth to one year of age. The duration of breastfeeding had increased in comparison with the low figures in the beginning of the 1970s. Complementary foods were usually introduced from three months of age. At the age of 6 months all infants received complementary foods such as semi-solids and solids and about 90% were given follow-up formula. Parents belonging to higher socioeconomic strata were more prone to act in accordance with general feeding recommendations, e.g. regarding breastfeeding duration, time of introduction of complementary foods and gluten-containing foods and the use of sucrose-rich foods.