Infant feeding guidelines: Updating the evidence 2022

ABSTRACT

Since the publication of the NHMRC Infant Feeding Guidelines (NHMRC, 2012a) there has been increasing interest in the importance of infant feeding to mothers and their babies. In recent decades many international organisations and other countries have published formal advice on infant feeding. Since the literature review for the Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines (NHMRC, 2012b) was completed in 2010 there have been thousands of research papers and reviews published. The main topics in the Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines that were not included in the Dewey review were * Weigh and plot regularly and accurately * Use lowest protein formula to avoid rapid growth, and potentially overweight and obesity. * Support the principles of the Baby Friendly Health Initiative (although this is almost universally supported it may not be specifically mentioned in guidelines * Educate parents on the importance of correctly preparing infant formula and following the instructions carefully, including using the correct scoop and not overfilling or underfilling the scoop * Fully implement the WHO Code on the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. The CDC reports that approximately 8% of the US population suffers from asthma (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).