The effects of infant feeding decisions on infant growth.

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 breast-fed 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.