Standard v. baby-led complementary feeding: a comparison of food and nutrient intakes in 6–12-month-old infants in the UK. Issue 15 (16th May 2019) - Alpers, Brigid
Abstract: Objective: To compare food and nutrient intakes of infants aged 6–12 months following a baby-led complementary feeding (BLCF) approach and a standard weaning (SW) approach. Design: Participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions, a 28 d FFQ and a 24 h dietary recall. Setting: UK. Participants: Infants ( n 134) aged 6–12 months ( n 88, BLCF; n 46, SW). Results: There was no difference between weaning methods for the food groups 'fruits', 'vegetables', 'all fish', 'meat and fish', 'sugary' or 'starchy' foods. The SW group was offered 'fortified infant cereals' ( P < 0·001), 'salty snacks' at 6–8 months ( P = 0·03), 'dairy and dairy-based desserts' at 9–12 months ( P = 0·04) and 'pre-prepared baby foods' at all ages ( P < 0·001) more often than the BLCF group. The SW group was offered 'oily fish' at all ages ( P < 0·001) and 6–8 months ( P = 0·01) and 'processed meats' at all ages ( P < 0·001), 6–8 months ( P = 0·003) and 9–12 months ( P < 0·001) less often than the BLCF group. The BLCF group had significantly greater intakes of Na ( P = 0·028) and fat from food ( P = 0·035), and significantly lower intakes of Fe from milk ( P = 0·012) and free sugar in the 6–8 months subgroup ( P = 0·03) v . the SW group. Fe intake was below the Reference Nutrient Intake (RNI) for both groups and Na was above the RNI in the BLCF group. Conclusion: Compared with the SW group, the BLCF group was offered foods higher in Na and lower in Fe; however, the foods offered contained less free sugar.