Exclusive Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding, and Food Choices in UK Infants

Abstract

Background: Limited data exist that explore the association between exclusive breastfeeding and dietary behaviors related to key food choices in later infancy. Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months with age of starting complementary feeding and key complementary feeding data collected at 8 to 10 months. Methods: Secondary data analysis was performed on the UK Infant Feeding Survey 2005. Results: After adjusting for maternal characteristics, exclusive breastfeeding for 3 months, compared to mixed or formula feeding, was positively associated with giving homemade infant foods (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–1.66), vegetables (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.25–1.72), fruits (AOR = 1.73; 95% CI, 1.42–2.11), and fresh foods frequently (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI, 1.41–3.56) at 8 to 10 months of age. Conversely, exclusive breastfeeding for 3 months, compared to mixed or formula feeding, was negatively associated with very early complementary feeding (AOR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.30–0.42) and giving the following foods at 8 to 10 months of age: baby food from jar (AOR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66–0.92), powdered baby food (AOR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57–0.94), canned baby food (AOR = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.32–0.71), and ready-made bought meals (AOR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.57–0.78). Conclusion: Exclusively breastfeeding for 3 months compared to mixed or formula feeding was positively associated with the introduction of complementary feeding after 4 months and giving infants fruits, vegetables, and homemade infant foods frequently at 8 to 10 months.