Infant feeding practices of families belonging to a prepaid group practice health care plan.

A survey of the infant feeding practices of 270 families who belonged to a prepaid medical insurance program revealed extensive use of commercially prepared infant formulas during the first months of life, introduction of beikost before 3 months of age and introduction of cow milk into the diet at 3 to 5 months. Ethnic, as well as socioeconomic differences, were observed in the use of milks and formulas, timing of introduction of beikost, and method of feeding solid foods. Average calorie intakes approached or were greater than the recommended dietary allowances. With the exceptions of vitamin D and iron, most infants received much greater than the recommended intake of all nutrients examined. Average sodium intakes were well above advisable intakes. Many infants received supplements of vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and C in addition to adequate dietary intakes. Results of this survey indicate that many mothers look to pediatricians for advice on how to feed their infants and several findings indicate that nutrition education efforts directed toward pediatricians and parents must be more vigorous than they have been in the past.