Delayed introduction of lumpy foods to children during the complementary feeding period affects child's food acceptance and feeding at 7 years of age

Abstract

The study aimed to follow up children who had been introduced to lumpy solids (chewy foods) at different ages, and to assess their dietary intake and feeding difficulties at seven years of age. Information was collected from a geographically defined population of 7821 mothers of children born in 1991/92, part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Self-report questionnaires were completed by the mother about her child at 6 months, 15 months, and 7 years postpartum about food foods eaten and feeding difficulties. Children were divided into three groups based on the age at which they were first introduced to 'lumpy' solids: 12.1% were introduced before 6 months of age, 69.8% were introduced between 6 and 9 months of age and 18.1% were introduced after 9 months. Children introduced to lumpy solids after the age of 9 months ate less of many of the food groups at seven years, including all 10 categories of fruit and vegetables, than those introduced to lumpy foods between 6-9 months (P < 0.05-0.001). In addition they were reported as having significantly more feeding problems at seven years (P < 0.05-0.001). The long-term feeding problems and reduced consumption of important food groups such as fruit and vegetables in children who are introduced to lumpy foods after the age of 9 months is a cause for concern. Health professionals must encourage the progression from purees and exposure to important food groups.

A Practical Approach to Classifying and Managing Feeding Difficulties

“…Although our focus is on those children who resist oral feeding, the practitioner should keep in mind that well-nourished, and even obese children, can have feeding difficulties. Pediatricians should be aware that feeding difficulties often emerge during a child's feeding transitions (moving from breast to bottle or cup, when complementary foods are introduced, or when self-feeding begins) [16][17][18] and guidance during these developmental phases is particularly helpful.…”

Problematic Eating Behaviour in Turkish Children Aged 12-72 Months: Characteristics of Mothers and Children

“…Eating no solid foods was another concern for mothers. Some researchers found a significant relationship between delayed introduction of lumpy foods and long term feeding problems in their prospective studies (18,19). In this study, comparisons were not done due to low number of cases.…”

Updated European Recommendations on the Introduction of Complementary Food in Children – Subject for Thought

“…Кроме того, необходимо вовремя ввести и кусочковую пищу, примерно в возрасте 9-10 мес. Отсроченное введение такой пищи сопряжено с труд-ностями кормления в дальнейшем и уменьшением употребления овощей и фруктов [19,20].…”