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The Effects of Infant Feeding Decisions on Infant Growth
Author(s) -
Barton Sharon Jackson,
Howard Patricia Kunz,
Rayens Mary Kay
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal for specialists in pediatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.499
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1744-6155
pISSN - 1539-0136
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6155.2002.tb00152.x
Subject(s) - infant formula , breast feeding , infant feeding , breast milk , medicine , pediatrics , breastfeeding , infant nutrition , formula feeding , infant development , psychology , environmental health , developmental psychology , population , biology , research methodology , biochemistry
ISSUES AND PURPOSE. To determine the effects of feeding decisions on infant growth in the first 6 months of life. DESIGN AND METHODS. Growth measurements were collected twice during the first 6 months of infancy as part of a larger investigation of infant feeding practices (N = 52). RESULTS. Infants who received solid foods before the age of 4 to 6 months weighed less than those who received solid foods after 4 to 6 months. There were no differences in growth measurements between formula‐fed and breastfed infants, although breast‐fed infants weighed more at birth. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Emphasize the importance of feeding breast milk (preferably) or formula only for the first 6 months. Advise parents to withhold fruit juices until the infant is at least 6 months old.