Associations between breastfeeding duration and adherence to complementary feeding recommendations in Scotland

Garcia, A. L. , Huang, J. and Wright, C. M. (2024) Associations between breastfeeding duration and adherence to complementary feeding recommendations in Scotland. Maternal and Child Nutrition, (doi: 10.1111/mcn.13633) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

We aimed to describe how breastfeeding relates to adherence to complementary feeding (CF) recommendations, diet diversification and feeding skills development and whether sociodemographic factors explain any differences observed. The Scottish Maternal Infant and Nutrition Survey for infants aged 8–12 months collected breastfeeding history, CF practices, diet and sociodemographic data using a self-completion questionnaire. Non-healthful CF practices were starting CF < 6 months, any consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), sweet or salty snacks (treats) or unmodified cow's milk and regular consumption of commercial baby foods. Diet diversification and feeding skills were assessed by amount of self-feeding and number of food groups, meals and snacks eaten daily. Of the 2730 mothers, 20% were solely infant formula fed (IFF) and 48% continued breastfeeding ≥6 months. Compared to IFF babies, mothers who gave any breast milk ≥6 months were more likely to start CF ≥ 6 months compared to those IFF (66% vs. 37%) and less likely to give treats (15% vs. 45%), SSBs (11% vs. 20%) and commercial baby foods (31% vs. 53%). These associations remained highly significant (p < 0.001) even after sociodemographic factor adjustment. Despite starting CF later, infants breastfed ≥6 months ate the same number of food groups and meals as those IFF, were just as likely to self-feed purees and more likely to self-feed finger foods daily (87% vs. 81% p < 0.001). Mothers who breastfeed beyond 6 months adhere more to CF recommendations and start CF later compared to IFF, but their babies eat a similarly diverse diet and have similar feeding skills.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Child nutrition, infant diet, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, commercial baby foods.
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Garcia, Dr Ada and Wright, Professor Charlotte
• Authors: Garcia, A. L., Huang, J., and Wright, C. M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Maternal and Child Nutrition
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 1740-8695
• ISSN (Online): 1740-8709
• Published Online: 20 February 2024
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2024 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Maternal and Child Nutrition 2024
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons license