Abstract
The feeding habits of 344 children under 20 months of age were obtained from mothers using the dietary history method supplemented with questions on milk feeding and weaning. Infants were remarkably similarly fed. No relations were found between breast-feeding and socioeconomic group, age of the mother or sex of the baby. Neither did socioeconomic group, sex or birth weight of the baby influence the timing of complementary feeding; however, the latter was significantly correlated to both mother's age and feeding method at the age of three months. In addition, six anthropometric measurements of the children were taken. These anthropometric results showed that the children were, on average, taller and heavier, but leaner than those of relevant national and international growth references. Fifty one samples of home-prepared baby meals together with 46 food diaries of infants of seven and eight months were collected. The meals were analysed chemically and the diaries were calculated for daily intake of energy, macronutrients and six minerals. The meals had high protein but low fat content, with accordingly a low energy density. The children's mean daily nutrient intake showed also high protein and low fat levels due to the meals; nevertheless, intakes of energy and minerals were adequate. About 20% of the baby meals had a high sodium level. Children in this study were apparently well-fed and thriving. Compliance with present guidelines on infant nutrition is high, just minor changes are needed to improve actual practices: breast-feeding should last longer, complementary foods should be introduced later and salt and sugar should be avoided in baby meals. Mothers, particularly those in the low socioeconomic group, need better understanding of gluten and its introduction into the infant's diet.