Infant Nutrition

Infant health research

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These studies explore breastmilk composition, the introduction of solids and the portrayal of infant feeding in the media.

WHO Guideline for complementary feeding of infants and young children 6–23 months of age

This documents offers a comprehensive update to WHO Guideline in two decades on complementary feeding of infants and young children 6-23 months of age. Includes responsive feeding as a key recommendation.

Available here: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/373358/9789240081864-eng.pdf?sequence=1

First‐food systems transformations and the ultra‐processing of infant and young child diets: The determinants, dynamics and consequences of the global rise in commercial milk formula consumption

This article addresses how the inappropriate marketing and aggressive promotion of breastmilk substitutes undermines breastfeeding and harms child and maternal health in all country contexts. The study describes trends and patterns in global formula sales volumes (apparent consumption) by country income and region. Data are reported for 77 countries, for the years 2005–19, and for the standard (0–6 months), follow‐up (7‐12 m), toddler (13‐36 m), and special (0‐6 m) categories. Second, it draws from the literature to understand how transformations underway in first‐food systems – those that provision foods for children aged 0–36 months – explain the global transition to higher formula diets.

Baker, P., Santos, T. et al. First‐food systems transformations and the ultra‐processing of infant and young child diets: The determinants, dynamics and consequences of the global rise in commercial milk formula consumption. https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.13097

This article examines the risks associated with incorrect preparation and storage of infant formula, including microbiological hazards and aims to increase understanding of how Australian caregivers perceive, interpret and use mandatory and voluntary “on-pack” label information when preparing and storing infant formula. Findings from the study show the need for clearer and more noticeable mandated food-safety elements on infant formula products.

Two studies released by the World Health Organization (WHO)/Europe found that a high proportion of baby foods were incorrectly marketed as suitable for infants under six months of age. Findings from four cities found that 28-60% of foods were marketed as being suitable for infants under six months and in three cities over half of all products provided 30% of calories from total sugars. WHO maintain their recommendation of exclusive breastfeeding for six months and reference the 2016 global Guidance on Ending the Inappropriate Promotion of Foods for Infants and Young Children which stipulates that “commercial complementary foods should not be advertised for infants under six months of age.” The study further explores the steps taken by WHO to combat inappropriate promotion of certain foods, including the Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) for children aged six to 36 months and a WHO/Europe-developed methodology that identifies commercial baby foods in retail settings and collects information from packaging and promotion.

World Health Organization (2019). WHO/Europe studies find baby foods are high in sugar and inappropriately marketed for babies. [online]