OBJECTIVE:
describe the timing of introducing food/liquid in the first six months of life and associated factors among infants considered at risk at birth.
METHODS:
cross-sectional study using household survey with infants considered at risk at birth in the city of Cuiabá-MT, Brazil, 2011.
RESULTS:
113 infants were assessed. All received food/liquids before six months of age: water (86.7%), tea (68.1%), whole cow's milk (15.9%), powdered milk (59.3%), fruit juice (67.3%), savoury purée (69.0%), same food as the family (38.0%), biscuits/bread (45.1%), bouillon (60.2%), yogurt (60.2%). Association was observed between early introduction of foods/liquids and: use of dummies/feeding bottles, shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding, bottle feeding with milk in the first 24 hours of life, and complications during pregnancy/childbirth.
CONCLUSION:
pregnant women and mothers need to be guided regarding maintaining exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate timing for introducing food.
Breast Feeding; Maternal and Child Health; Weaning; Health Surveys; Cross-Sectional Studies
