BACKGROUND: The importance of adequate complementary feeding of infants is increasingly acknowledged. Little is known of the actual complementary feeding practices in Switzerland. AIM: To report the prevalence of adequate timing of complementary feeding, comparing the compliance to Swiss and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, and to investigate factors influencing infant complementary feeding. METHODS: In 2003 a cross-sectional study was conducted of mother-and-infant pairs in Switzerland. The mothers, randomly chosen by local community mother-and-child health services, completed a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire and reported the infant's age at the first introduction of various foods. Descriptive analysis, group testing and regression analysis of data collected were conducted. RESULTS: Introduction of solids mainly occurred between the 5th and 6th months. Five per cent of the mothers introduced complementary food before the age of 4 mo. The main influencing factors for infant feeding were maternal age, language regions, mother's BMI and smoking status, the presence of siblings, and an allergic predisposition of the infant. CONCLUSION: The timing of the introduction of complementary foods meets with Swiss guidelines. WHO recommendations, however, are not met. This may be due to a misunderstanding of the Swiss Paediatric Association's age-range recommendations or insufficient promotion of the WHO recommendations.
BACKGROUND: The importance of adequate complementary feeding of infants is increasingly acknowledged. Little is known of the actual complementary feeding practices in Switzerland. AIM: To report the prevalence of adequate timing of complementary feeding, comparing the compliance to Swiss and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, and to investigate factors influencing infant complementary feeding. METHODS: In 2003 a cross-sectional study was conducted of mother-and-infant pairs in Switzerland. The mothers, randomly chosen by local community mother-and-child health services, completed a 24-h dietary recall questionnaire and reported the infant's age at the first introduction of various foods. Descriptive analysis, group testing and regression analysis of data collected were conducted. RESULTS: Introduction of solids mainly occurred between the 5th and 6th months. Five per cent of the mothers introduced complementary food before the age of 4 mo. The main influencing factors for infant feeding were maternal age, language regions, mother's BMI and smoking status, the presence of siblings, and an allergic predisposition of the infant. CONCLUSION: The timing of the introduction of complementary foods meets with Swiss guidelines. WHO recommendations, however, are not met. This may be due to a misunderstanding of the Swiss Paediatric Association's age-range recommendations or insufficient promotion of the WHO recommendations.
Authors: Michelle Klerks; Sergio Roman; Maria Jose Bernal; Juan Francisco Haro-Vicente; Luis Manuel Sanchez-Siles Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-02-18 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Abukari I Issaka; Kingsley E Agho; Andrew N Page; Penelope L Burns; Garry J Stevens; Michael J Dibley Journal: Nutrients Date: 2015-01-30 Impact factor: 5.717
Authors: Abukari I Issaka; Kingsley E Agho; Andrew N Page; Penelope Burns; Garry J Stevens; Michael J Dibley Journal: Nutrients Date: 2014-07-14 Impact factor: 5.717