Feeding behavior of 6- to 12-month-old infants: Assessment and sources of parental information

doi:10.1016/S0022-3476(05)80016-2

The Journal of Pediatrics

Volume 117, Issue 2, Part 2, August 1990, Pages S174-S180

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3476(05)80016-2 Get rights and content

Both the infant's development of feeding skill and self-regulatory competenceduring the second 6 months of life have implications for weaning and for a weaning diet. This article examines four categories of feeding skills: taking food from a spoon; handling thicker, lumpy foods and foods that require chewing; self-feeding with fingers or a spoon; and drinking from a cup and managing the bottie. These skills are fundamental for the development of self-regulatory competence through the phases of sensorimotor modulation (from 3 months of age to approximately 9 to 12 months) and control (9 to 12 months of age). Available instruments to assess feeding skill and self-regulatory competence are described. Questions concerning feeding practices in relation to the infant's development of feeding skill and self-regulatory competence are raised. Potential conflicts between professional and lay sources, informational methods used and preferred, and the types of problems for which help is sought are discussed.

References (30)

IllingworthRS et al.
The critical or sensitive period with special reference to certain feeding problems in infants and chidlren
J Pediatr
(1964)
WrightP
Learning experiences in feeding behavior in early infancy
J Psychosom Res
(1988)
LipsittLP et al.
The transitional infant: behavioral development and feeding
Am J Clin Nutr
(1985)
BryantCD
The impact of kin, friend and neighbor networks on infant feeding practices
Soc Sci Med
(1982)
MercerRT et al.
Adolescent motherhood: comparison of outcome with older mothers
J Adolesc Health Care
(1984)
PipesPL
Nutrition in infancy and childhood
(1985)
GesellA et al.
Feeding behavior of infants
(1937)
CarterCS
Patterns of infant feeding: the mother-infant interaction and stress management
HowardRB
The infant feeding experiences
ZeanahCH et al.
Internal representations and parent-infant relationships
Infant Ment Health
(1989)

SanderLW

Regulation of exchange in the infant caretaker system: a viewpoint on the ontogeny of “structures”

KoppCB

Antecedents of self-regulation: a developmental perspective

Dev Psychol

(1982)

ChappellPF et al.

Mutual regulation of the neonatalmaternal interactive process: context for the origins of communication

WrightP

Hunger, satiety and feeding behavior in early infancy

EriksJ

Infant “talk”

Cited by (40)

Sucking patterns are not predictive of further feeding development in healthy preterm infants
2020, Infant Behavior and Development
Citation Excerpt :
In addition not all infants achieved full oral motor skills within the time frame of term born infants. Term born infants usually show variable oral motor abilities while learning to eat, and most achieve assisted spoon feeding skills between 6 and 9 months, specifically within 2–10 weeks of being introduced to spoon feeding (Delaney & Arvedson, 2008; Pridham, 1990; Silva Telles & Sperandeo, 2008; Van den Engel-Hoek et al., 2014). These time frames of skill acquisition differ greatly from our data of preterm infants.
Preterm infants are at risk of experiencing difficulties in their feeding development. For a possible early identification of these, we examined the association between sucking patterns, assisted spoon feeding, and chewing skills in 40 healthy preterm infants, and the role of experience in the acquisition of these skills in a prospective longitudinal study. Sucking patterns were evaluated at 34, 37, and 44 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), assisted spoon feeding was evaluated at 6, 9, and 12 months PMA, and chewing was evaluated at 9, 12, and 24 months PMA. Sucking patterns were rated using the Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale, assisted spoon feeding was rated using the Observation List Spoon Feeding, and chewing was evaluated using the Mastication Observation and Evaluation Instrument.
All infants showed progression in their oral motor skills during the study period, but not all demonstrated a stable progression of skills. Quality of sucking patterns was not associated with skill level achievement of assisted spoon feeding or with chewing. Length of experience in sucking was significantly associated with duration of supplemental tube feeding but not with the quality of the sucking pattern. Length of chewing experience was significantly associated with chewing abilities at 9 and 12 months PMA. No clinical characteristics were sufficiently predictive of oral motor skill development. Results show that sucking patterns are not predictive of subsequent feeding development in healthy preterm infants. The food consistency offered and the length of feeding experience influenced the acquisition and quality of oral motor skills differently.
Differences in parental feeding styles and practices and toddler eating behaviour across complementary feeding methods: Managing expectations through consideration of effect size
2019, Appetite
Citation Excerpt :
After estimating the effect size of the differences in the current samples, the magnitude of any differences in the toddler's eating behaviour associated with BLW is very small. Although there has been some previous research on the sources of information parents use when it comes to infant feeding (Pridham, 1990; Carruth & Skinner, 2000), these studies quickly become outdated as new and more accessible ways of obtaining information, e.g. the internet and social media becoming available. There is only one very recent study examining the information sources utilised by parents following BLW in parents in New Zealand (Fu et al., 2018).
Nutritional experiences during infancy and toddlerhood influence the development of healthy eating habits later in life. Interest into solid food introduction practices has experienced resurgence due to the popularization of the baby-led weaning (BLW) approach as an alternative to more traditional parent-led weaning (PLW) practices. Although the literature shows beneficial effects of BLW on eating behaviours, the magnitude of those effects is unknown making parental expectation management challenging. This study provides an estimation of the size of the difference between the solid feeding practices groups for a variety of practices consistent with the development of healthy food preferences and behaviours.
565 participants with infants between 12 and 36 months old completed a survey concerning their preferred parental feeding styles, parental feeding practices, sources of information on feeding and toddler's eating behaviour. Participants were categorised to one of four groups reflecting the level of infant self-feeding level a month after the introduction of solid food (Strict PLW, Predominant PLW, Predominant BLW and Strict BLW).
Estimated effect sizes of the observed significant differences showed that the magnitude of effects was modest to minimal. Moderate effect sizes were observed in comparisons regarding breastfeeding duration, maternal feeding practices, sources of information and types of first food given to the infants at the beginning of solid feeding introduction. When it comes to toddlers’ eating behaviour and the family food environment, although some differences were statistically significant, the effect sizes were very small. Considering the long-lasting impact of food preferences developed at this stage along with the stress surrounding infant feeding decisions, it is crucial that the complementary feeding advice parents receive reflects realistic expectations of the outcomes regarding the effects on eating behaviour.
Navigating motherhood and maternal transitional infant feeding: Learnings for health professionals
2018, Appetite
Citation Excerpt :
This feeding instinct was found to be nurtured by supportive family members, like-minded peers and open-minded health professionals, but undermined by prescriptive, judgmental or conflicting advice. The sparse literature on where parents obtain their transitional infant feeding information supports the study finding that an array of conflicting lay and professional sources compete alongside personal experiences and beliefs (Pridham, 1990; Spence, Hesketh, Crawford, & Campbell, 2016). Furthermore, acceptance of advice from family and friends in this transitional feeding stage may reflect similar lived experiences, including feeding to influence infant growth and contentment (Harrison et al., 2017; Pridham, 1990).
Given the lifelong associations between infant diet and weight, understanding maternal transitional infant feeding decisions can assist efforts to establish healthy eating habits early in life. Feeding experiences were explored using semi-structured interviews with 15 first-time mothers who were selected based on their concerns about their infants' weight in an infant feeding survey. Thematic synthesis of the interview transcripts identified three main themes: (1) Expectations of a “responsible mother”, (2) Trusting oneself and trust in others, and (3) From stress to successful feeding. Dominant social ideals of motherhood and infant behaviour influenced feeding practices, some of which are associated with obesity. Judgments of mothers' infant feeding practices and infant size alongside feeding and weight gain ‘checklists’ undermines maternal transitional feeding knowledge. Family-centred, non-judgmental guidance from peers, family members and health professionals would better support mothers to navigate the day-to-day reality of feeding and caring for an infant throughout the first year of life that is based on achievable personal goals rather than societal ideals.
How important are the influencing factors to the decision on whether to provide seafood in infant and young child feeding?
2017, Appetite
Citation Excerpt :
Previous research has also revealed that availability and confidence to cook seafood in addition to the preferences of the partner and children, influences provision of seafood to the family (McManus, Burns, Howat, Cooper, & Fielder, 2007). During infant and young child feeding (IYCF) parents commonly receive advice and information on feeding practices (Alder et al., 2004; Bryant, 1982; Carruth & Skinner, 2001; Hoddinott, Craig, Britten, & McInnes, 2010; Horodynski et al., 2007; Pridham, 1990). There is a lack of published work investigating the advice parents are provided on the inclusion of seafood for infant feeding, however a study with pregnant women has shown that messages on consuming seafood are often confusing and contradictory (Bloomingdale et al., 2010).
Seafood is recommended as part of a healthy, balanced introductory diet however, consumption rates are low in young children. Research has previously investigated the influences to seafood consumption in consumers and non-consumers however the importance of these factors in mothers' decisions on whether to provide seafood for their child during the early years is unknown. This study aimed to measure the importance of factors that influence mothers' decisions on providing seafood for their child during infant and young child feeding (six months to four years). A mixed method Q methodology and cognitive interview approach was used with 32 mothers in Scotland. Despite a large consensus of opinion between mothers (n = 20) on the importance of factors on their decision-making, two viewpoints emerged highlighting an importance placed on food attributes and the infant, and convenience and family-centred. This study is the first to quantify the influences on the decision to provide seafood during early years’ feeding and could be used to inform and tailor seafood-based dietary promotions and interventions for parents.
Factors influencing mothers' decisions on whether to provide seafood during early years’ feeding: A qualitative study
2017, Appetite
Citation Excerpt :
This complementary feeding phase, also known as weaning, is a period in a parent's life when dietary views and behaviours may change and when parents receive a wide range of advice and information on feeding practices (Bloomingdale et al., 2010). Parents both actively seek and passively gain advice and information on infant feeding from a variety of sources, such as health professionals, family and friends, and varying forms of media (Carruth & Skinner, 2001; Hoddinott, Craig, Britten, & McInnes, 2010, 2012; Horodynski et al., 2007; Pridham, 1990; Sylvester & Wade, 2004). Evidence suggests that mothers often use multiple and concurrent sources of information over time (Carruth & Skinner, 2001); however, infant feeding decisions may also be influenced by parents' socioeconomic backgrounds, with mothers of differing socioeconomic status relying on advice from different sources (Carruth & Skinner, 2001; Gildea & Sloan, 2009; Heinig et al., 2009).
The first year of a child's life is a key period of transition from an exclusive milk diet to solid foods to meet growing nutritional demands. An increased requirement for nutrients includes the introduction of protein-rich solid foods, such as seafood, which additionally provides valuable omega-3 fatty acids. However, consumption of seafood is low in the British child population. The aim of this study was to identify maternal perceptions of the factors that can influence the decision on whether to provide seafood during early years' feeding using a multi-method qualitative study design. A total of 26 discussions posted by mothers on parenting websites; Mumknowsbest, Mumsnet and Netmums, accessed July 2013, together with discussions from six focus groups (February–July 2014) in the North East of Scotland were included for thematic qualitative analysis. Discussions on the inclusion of seafood during the early years were centred across four interrelating themes; - food-related attributes, mother-centred aspects, family-centred aspects, and external information sources. Concerns regarding safety and mothers' limited knowledge and skills on seafood were apparent from discussions; however, the practicalities of providing a cost effective family meal were also issues raised by mothers. An understanding of the numerous and sometimes contradictory influences on mothers' decisions to include seafood during early years' period could be used to develop strategies to help increase regular seafood consumption. In particular, ensuring formal information and guidance clearly addresses the safety concerns of mothers and the development of practical education schemes to encourage and teach cooking skills should be considered.
The development of jaw motion for mastication
2009, Early Human Development
The developmental course of early chewing has rarely been studied, although such knowledge is essential for understanding childhood feeding and swallowing disorders. The goal of this investigation was to quantitatively describe age- and consistency-related changes in jaw kinematics during early chewing development. An optical-motion tracking system was used to record jaw movements during chewing in 3-dimensions in 11 typically-developing participants longitudinally from 9–30 months of age. Age related changes in jaw movement were described for both puree and regular consistencies. The findings demonstrated that the development of rotary jaw motion, jaw motion speed, and management of consistency upgrades are protracted across the first two years of life. Young children did not differentiate their jaw closing speeds for puree and regular consistencies until 18–24 months of age, at which age the speed of movement was significantly slower for the puree than for the regular consistency. Horizontal jaw closing speed decreased significantly with age for the puree consistency, but not for the regular consistency. The emergence of a rotary chew pattern was not observed at the ages studied.

View all citing articles on Scopus

^*: Supported in part by the Helen Denne Schulte Fund.

^†: This article benefited from the constructive comments of Lewis Barness, MD.

View full text

Feeding behavior of 6- to 12-month-old infants: Assessment and sources of parental information*,†

J Pediatr

J Psychosom Res

Am J Clin Nutr

Soc Sci Med

J Adolesc Health Care

Nutrition in infancy and childhood

Feeding behavior of infants

Patterns of infant feeding: the mother-infant interaction and stress management

The infant feeding experiences

Internal representations and parent-infant relationships