Growth patterns of breastfed infants and the current status of growth charts for infants

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K G Dewey1

  • 1Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis 95616-8669, USA.

Journal of Human Lactation : Official Journal of International Lactation Consultant Association
|October 17, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Breastfed infants typically gain less weight than formula-fed infants, which is normal. Current growth charts may not accurately assess breastfed infant growth, prompting a new chart development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infant Nutrition
  • Growth Monitoring

Background:

  • Feeding mode significantly influences infant growth patterns.
  • Breastfed infants generally exhibit slower weight gain compared to formula-fed infants, especially after the initial months.
  • Existing growth charts, primarily based on formula-fed infants, pose challenges in accurately assessing the growth of healthy, thriving breastfed infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the differences in infant growth patterns based on feeding mode.
  • To address the limitations of current growth charts for breastfed infants.
  • To inform about the World Health Organization's initiative to develop new growth charts for breastfed infants.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on infant feeding modes and growth.
  • Analysis of weight gain patterns in breastfed versus formula-fed infants.
  • Examination of the suitability of the NCHS growth chart for breastfed populations.

Main Results:

  • Breastfed infants tend to gain less weight than formula-fed infants after the first few months.
  • This slower weight gain in breastfed infants is often a normal pattern for healthy, thriving infants.
  • The NCHS growth chart may inaccurately indicate growth faltering in breastfed infants due to its sample population.

Conclusions:

  • Infant feeding mode is a critical determinant of growth patterns.
  • A new growth chart specifically for breastfed infants is needed for accurate assessment.
  • The World Health Organization is developing updated growth charts to better reflect breastfed infant growth.

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