Examples of specific parental behaviours grouped into clusters of behavioural topics
| Target parental behaviour cluster | Example of specific parental behaviours |
| Infant feeding practices | Promoting and/or sustaining breastfeeding, including exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months of age. Feeding formula appropriately, if necessary (eg, making formula per package instructions, feeding in response to the infant’s hunger/satiety cues, feeling with suitable types of formula). Avoiding unnecessary overfeeding with breastmilk and supplementing with formula. Delaying introduction of solid foods (complementary feeding) until 6 months of age. |
| Food provision and parent feeding practices | Behaviours related to dietary intake: |
| Providing appropriate types of foods (eg, vegetables, meat and alternatives, fruits, whole grains, dairy) Providing age-appropriate portions of each food group (ie, portion sizes; incl. limiting portions of milk). Limiting provision of certain foods and drinks (eg, energy-dense, nutrient poor foods, sugar-sweetened beverages). | |
| Behaviours related to feeding practices: | |
| Offering foods repeatedly that have previously been rejected. Offering foods and drinks in response to infants’ hunger/satiety cues (eg, letting the infant decide how much they eat, not pressuring to eat). Avoiding use of food to control (or reward) the infant’s emotions, behaviour or consumption of other foods. Providing regular meal routines (incl. eating together, limiting distractions). | |
| Movement practices | Behaviours related to physical activity: |
| Placing infant on their stomach for prone play (‘tummy time’). Promoting age appropriate physical activity such as active play, outdoor play, activities relating to fundamental movement skills. Providing toys that promote movement such as balls and toys on wheels. | |
| Behaviours related to sedentary behaviour: | |
| Limiting the amount of time the infant is restrained (eg, prams/strollers, high chairs, strapped on a caregivers back). Limiting the amount of time the infant is exposed to screens (eg, television, mobile devices). Providing alternatives to screen time. | |
| Sleep health practices | Promoting regular sleep routine (eg, calm, quiet, soothing). Letting the infant settle back to sleep when stirring/crying during sleep cycle (eg, leaving the room, only picking up infant when awake). Promoting a positive sleep environment (eg, quiet, darkened, warm). Placing infant in cot/bassinet while awake and letting infant learn to fall asleep (eg, following infant’s signs of tiredness). Avoiding bed-sharing/co-sleeping (ie, sleeping with the infant in the same bed). Maximising day-night differences (eg, lights on and play in the day, lights off and sleep at night). |