Abstract
The timing of introducing complementary feeding affects nutritional status and children’s health. The aim of this study was to determine sociodemographic and birth-related factors associated with the age of introducing complementary foods. This cross-sectional study investigated parents (n = 5815) of children aged 12–36 months from Poland (n = 4065) and Austria (n = 1750) using a single online questionnaire. During the study, detailed data about sociodemographic characteristics, variables related to pregnancy, and early feeding practices were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate factors associated with the introduction of complementary feeding before 4 completed months, between 4 and 6 months, and after 6 completed months separately for both countries. Complementary foods were introduced before 4 months in 3.0% of infants (2.4% in Poland and 4.3% in Austria), between 4 and 6 months in 65.0% (60.5% in Poland and 75.3% in Austria), and after 6 completed months in 32.1% of infants (37.1% in Poland and 20.4% in Austria). The factors related to earlier introduction of complementary feeding were lower maternal age (in Austria 25–29 years: aOR 2.21 (95% CI 1.06–4.65)) and education level (in Poland and Austria primary and vocational: aOR 14.49 (95% CI 3.73–56.35), aOR 2.13 (95% CI 1.10–4.11), respectively), preterm birth (in Poland and Austria: aOR 10.21 (95% CI 5.73–18.20); aOR 4.45 (95% CI 2.42–8.18), respectively), never breastfeeding (Poland: aOR 2.73 (95% CI 1.29 – 5.76)) and receiving an infant formula after hospital discharge (in both countries: aOR 3.73 (95% CI 2.06–6.75); aOR 3.65 (95% CI 1.87–7.12), respectively). These factors should be taken into account by health professionals in identifying mothers who are least likely to follow nutritional recommendations.
Highlights
The first two years of children’s lives are a time of rapid growth and development
The factors related to earlier introduction of complementary feeding were lower maternal age (in Austria 25–29 years: aOR 2.21) and education level (in Poland and Austria primary and vocational: aOR 14.49, aOR 2.13, respectively), preterm birth
These factors should be taken into account by health professionals in identifying mothers who are least likely to follow nutritional recommendations
Summary
The first two years of children’s lives are a time of rapid growth and development. Proper nutrition during this period is crucial for achieving the optimal development and good health in further life [1]. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of infant life is recognized as a gold standard in infant nutrition associated with better health outcomes both in children and mothers [2]. During this time, breastmilk provides sufficient energy, macronutrients, and most of the micronutrients to meet the requirements of healthy term-born infants [3]. Parents were asked about the type of food that infants consumed most often during the first three months of complementary feeding (ready-to-eat, homemade especially for infants, family food), as well as the first products and meals consumed by the infant.
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