Nutrient intake of WIC infants by Child care and Parent care

The objective of this research is to assess the differences in nutrient intake of infants in child care (CC) compared to parent care (PC). Parent with infants 2–8 months of age were recruited at the WIC office in Champaign, IL (n=71). Nutrient intake of the infants was assessed by a 3 day food record, which was analyzed for energy, macronutrient and micronutrient intake by the Nutrition Data System for Research (University of Minnesota). Demographic information and age of solid food introduction was collected by primary caregiver questionnaire. Regression analysis was used to measure differences in nutrient intake between CC and PC, adjusting for total energy, gender, age, race, and if infant had been introduced to solid foods. The average age of solid food introduction was 4.3 ±1.0 months for PC and 4.1 ±1.0 months for CC infants. Mean daily energy intake was 618.2±164.6 calories for PC infants and 609.4 ±189.4 calories for CC infants. Results showed no significant differences between PC and CC users in daily energy, nutrient intake, and age of solid food introduction. However, solid food introduction led to a decrease in fat intake but an increase in carbohydrate, fiber, niacin, magnesium, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, and phosphorus intake. There were no differences by age or gender. Thus, daily nutrient intake in infants is most affected by solid food introduction but not by CC arrangement. Funded by CFAR & UIUC Research Board