Feeding infants and young children. From guidelines to practice

Following a workshop on infant feeding held at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen on March 17, 2010 experts were invited to exchange ideas and to review evidence on both pre and post natal dietary environments in shaping children's eating habits. A central theme during the workshop was the idea of “sensitive periods” during infancy for learning about foods and a particular focus was developed around acceptance and intake of fruits and vegetables. Presentations covered the guidelines provided by various governments on how to feed infants during weaning; the importance of the in utero experience; the impact of varying the sensory experience at weaning; the effect of parenting styles and practices on children's eating habits; the use of visual experience in promoting intake of vegetables; and reports from mothers regarding their decisions about weaning and the introduction of vegetables. This collection of papers seeks to review guidance from governments on feeding infants and to consider current evidence on parental feeding practices with the aim of enhancing insight into best practice in establishing healthy eating in children.

► Experience with flavour occurs in utero and continues during breastfeeding.
► There are sensitive periods during which infants accept certain tastes and textures.
► Sensory experience at weaning confers an advantage for later food acceptance.
► Parenting styles and practices shape children's eating including visual exposure.
► Guidelines on infant feeding varies, parents respond to infant need not guidelines.