Complementary Feeding in the Clinical Practice: An Exploratory Survey among Italian Primary Care Pediatricians

Abstract

Introduction: Complementary feeding (CF) is the process of introducing solid or liquid foods (complementary foods, CFs) other than human breast milk (HBM) or infant formula into infants’ diet when HBM or infant formula is no longer sufficient to meet infants’ nutritional needs. Primary care pediatricians (PCPs) are paramount in guiding and educating infants’ families during CF. Materials and Methods: Our exploratory survey aimed to investigate PCPs’ current clinical approach to managing CF. From 1 March 2024 to 30 April 2024, a digital questionnaire composed of 32 multiple-choice questions investigating PCPs’ attitudes toward CF in healthy, full-term infants was proposed to 1620 PCPs contacted through scientific societies. Results: The questionnaire was completed voluntarily; 707 PCPs (79.5% female, 66.1% aged over 50 years) fully responded to the survey in the proposed timeframe (participation rate 43.6%). Among the responders, 47.5% recommended traditional CF; 42.1% declared to know the baby-led weaning (BLW) approach and on-demand CF (ODCF), but only 32.8% and 12.5% of them recommended these types of CF, respectively. The vast majority (95%) of participants recommended that CF start between 4 to 6 completed months of age. CF routinely based on vegetarian or plant-based diets was supported by 45/707 (6.1%), only if planned by a specialist by 253/707 (35.8%), and only upon request by caregivers by 257/707 (36.3%). Egg and fish introduction was mostly advised in the first year of life, although in case of a positive family history of food allergy, 13.3% of participants recommended the introduction of egg and fish after 12 months. Conclusions: In conclusion, PCPs did not display a homogenous approach to CF; further studies and educational programs are needed to achieve more flexibility and knowledge on this important nutritional issue.