Learning to eat: birth to age 2 y

Abstract

During the first 2 y of life, development is rapid and includes dramatic changes in eating behavior. Individual patterns of food preferences and eating behaviors emerge and differ depending on the foods offered and on the contexts of feeding during this early period of dietary transition. In this review, we discuss evidence on ways in which early learning influences food preferences and eating behavior, which, in turn, shape differences in dietary patterns, growth, and health. Although the evidence reviewed indicates that this early period of transition provides opportunities to influence children's developing intake patterns, there is no consistent, evidence-based guidance for caregivers who are feeding infants and toddlers; the current Dietary Guidelines are intended to apply to Americans over the age of 2 y. At present, the evidence base with regard to how and what children learn about food and eating behavior during these first years is limited. Before developing guidance for parents and caregivers, more scholarship and research is necessary to understand how infants and toddlers develop the food preferences and self-regulatory processes necessary to promote healthy growth, particularly in today's environment. By the time they reach 2 y of age, children have essentially completed the transition to "table foods" and are consuming diets similar to those of other family members. This article discusses parenting and feeding approaches that may facilitate or impede the development of self-regulation of intake and the acceptance of a variety of foods and flavors necessary for a healthy diet. We review the limited evidence on how traditional feeding practices, familiarization, associative learning, and observational learning affect the development of eating behavior in the context of the current food environment. Areas for future research that could inform the development of anticipatory guidance for parents and caregivers responsible for the care and feeding of young children are identified.

Micronutrient Adequacy and Dietary Diversity Exert Positive and Distinct Effects on Linear Growth in Urban Zambian Infants

“…Other potential benefits of increased dietary diversity beyond the increased intake of 357 micronutrients include exposure to foods of different textures and flavors, enabling infants to 358 develop healthy food preferences (60), and the intake of bioactive constituents that may not 359 be present in fortified foods (61). The WHO IYCF indicators include "minimum dietary 360 diversity", with infants achieving this indicator receiving ≥ 4 food groups/d (7).…”

Early development of dietary patterns: transitions in the contribution of food groups to total energy—Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study, 2008

“…The selection of foods offered, repeated exposure to new foods, as well as the feeding style parents use are all critical elements in the development of healthy eating habits in infants and toddlers [1][2][3][4]. Improper infant feeding practices have been implicated in early development of overweight in infants, and infant overweight is a strong predictor of early childhood obesity [5][6][7][8].…”

Consumption of processed foods among children under two years of age: Foods’ pattern analysis

“…As age increases, the percentage of children consuming processed foods rises and increase the frequency of their consumption. Early consumption of food influences children's food preferences , that impact on dietary habits and practices, as well as health and nutrition throughout life [3,6,19].…”

“…In addition to ensuring the additional supply of energy and nutrients, supplementary feeding gives children the development of eating habits. Through new flavors, aromas, colors and textures, the child establishes their food preferences, that impact dietary habits and practices, as well as health and nutrition throughout life [5][6][7][8].…”