Infant egg consumption during introduction to solid food remains low in the United Kingdom but increases with infant age and a baby-led weaning approach.

BACKGROUND: As a nutritious food-providing protein, essential fatty acids, vitamin D, iodine and choline eggs have historically been central to an infant weaning diet. However, food poisoning scares and allergy concerns have contributed to low consumption among infants aged 6-12 months. METHODS: This paper presents a secondary data analysis of infant egg exposure and intake using three weaning data sets: a 7-day food frequency questionnaire (n = 297), a 24-h recall (n = 180) and a 3-day weighed food diary (n = 71). Egg introduction, frequency of consumption and intake in grams were analysed for infants aged 6-8, 9-10 and 11-12 months). Comparisons were made by whether infants were following a baby-led approach to weaning (where infants self-feed family foods) or a traditional approach where pureed foods are given alongside finger foods. Data were collected in the United Kingdom between 2015 and 2018. RESULTS: Our data showed that despite introduction being recommended from the start of weaning at 6 months of age by the Department of Health, just 54% of infants aged 6-8 months had ever been offered eggs. Average egg intake was one to two times per week, increasing with age. However, in terms of frequency and grams consumed, our data suggest a small increase in consumption compared with previous research, although limitations of our smaller sample size should be noted. Finally, a baby-led approach was associated with increased exposure and consumption; baby-led infants consumed eggs twice as frequently as spoon-fed infants. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have important implications for public health messaging and for supporting families in introducing solid foods.

Estimated energy and nutrient intake for infants following baby-led and traditional weaning approaches.

BACKGROUND: Baby-led weaning (BLW), where infants self-feed without the use of spoon-feeding by a caregiver, continues to be a popular approach for starting solids. However, concerns remain amongst health professionals that infants using this method may not consume sufficient energy or nutrients from solid foods. Little research has examined how different weaning approaches shape dietary intake. The present study aimed to use a 3-day weighed diet diary to measure estimated energy and nutrient intake in infants aged 6-12 months. METHODS: Diet diaries were completed by 71 parents and analysed to compare estimated infant intake from milk and solid foods for those either following a BLW or traditional spoon-feeding approach (TW). Intake was analysed for each weaning group in two age groups: 26-39 and 40-52 weeks, to account for different eating patterns at the start and end of the weaning process. RESULTS: For the younger infants, significant differences in estimated energy intake were found, with TW infants consuming 285 kcal from solid foods compared with 120 kcal for BLW infants. Conversely, BLW infants consumed more calories and nutrients from breast or formula milk, consistent with a slower transition to solid foods. No differences were found in estimated intake amongst older infants, suggesting that BLW infants had 'caught up' with their spoon-fed peers. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, few infants regardless of weaning group met recommended intake guidelines for energy (either over or under consuming) with many deficient in iron and zinc intake. The findings are important for those supporting parents through the transition to solid foods.

Baby-Led Weaning: The Evidence to Date.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Infants are traditionally introduced to solid foods using spoon-feeding of specially prepared infant foods. RECENT FINDINGS: However, over the last 10-15 years, an alternative approach termed 'baby-led weaning' has grown in popularity. This approach involves allowing infants to self-feed family foods, encouraging the infant to set the pace and intake of the meal. Proponents of the approach believe it promotes healthy eating behaviour and weight gain trajectories, and evidence is starting to build surrounding the method. This review brings together all empirical evidence to date examining behaviours associated with the approach, its outcomes and confounding factors. SUMMARY: Overall, although there is limited evidence suggesting that a baby-led approach may encourage positive outcomes, limitations of the data leave these conclusions weak. Further research is needed, particularly to explore pathways to impact and understand the approach in different contexts and populations.

Maternal and infant factors associated with reasons for introducing solid foods.

The current UK Department of Health advice is to introduce solid foods to infants at around 6 months of age, when the infant is showing signs of developmental readiness for solid foods. However, many mothers introduce solid foods before this time, and for a wide variety of reasons, some of which may not promote healthy outcomes. The aim of the current study was to examine infant and maternal characteristics associated with different reasons for introducing solid foods. Seven hundred fifty-six mothers with an infant aged 6-12 months old completed a questionnaire describing their main reason for introducing solid foods alongside demographic questions, infant weight, gender, breast/formula feeding and timing of introduction to solid foods. The majority of mothers introduced solid foods for reasons explicitly stated in the Department of Health advice as not signs of readiness for solid foods. These reasons centred on perceived infant lack of sleep, hunger or unsettled behaviour. Maternal age, education and parity, infant weight and gender and breast/formula feeding choices were all associated with reasons for introduction. A particular association was found between breastfeeding and perceiving the infant to be hungrier or needing more than milk could offer. Male infants were perceived as hungry and needing more energy than female infants. Notably, signs of readiness may be misinterpreted with some stating this reason for infants weaned prior to 16 weeks. The findings are important for those working to support and educate new parents with the introduction of solid foods in understanding the factors that might influence them.

Baby-led weaning and the family diet. A pilot study.

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a style of solid food introduction that emphasizes self-feeding rather than spoon-feeding. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether parents using BLW change their dietary intake during weaning, and if their babies are offered family foods. Participants kept diet diaries at baseline and three months later, post-BLW implementation. Wilcoxon tests revealed no significant changes in dietary intake during the first three months of weaning, however, parents offered their children 57% of the same foods they were consuming. Results suggest that BLW does not lead to dietary changes among parents during the weaning process.