Positive feeding practices and food preferences in very early childhood: an innovative approach to obesity prevention

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One-fifth of Australian children are overweight and at increased risk of becoming overweight adults. This study will evaluate if an intervention to equip parents with the confdence and skills to intitiate and maintain positive early feeding practices can foster healthy food preferences, dietary intakes and eating patterns in young children. The 18-month study will use a randomised controlled design and aims to enrol 830 first time mothers with healthy term infants in Brisbane and Adelaide. The intervention will provide anticipatory guidance via 2x12 week parent education and peer support modules (6 x 1.5hr group sessions), each followed by 6xmonthly maintenance contacts (choice sms/email). The modules will commence at ages 4-7 and 13-16 months to coicide with establishment of solid feeding and development of autonomy and independence. The intervention will be delivered in established community child health clinics in Brisbane and Adelaide. The control group will have self-directed access to usual services provided by local Child Health Clinics. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline (age 4-7m), 9 m (age 13-16m) and 18 m (final, age 2y) and will include infant food intake and preferences, feeding behaviour and growth and maternal feeding style/practices, parenting efficacy and BMI. Additional co-variate measures include: demographics, maternal mental health, dietary restraint and weight concern, and infant temperament. This study will provide the first Level II evidence for efficacy of a comprehensive, structured intervention to promote positive feeding practices on early childhood intake and food preferences. It is consistent with current community interest in early childhood as the foundation for health and well being and addresses National Research Priority 2: Promoting and maintaining heath – ‘A healthy start to life’ and ‘Preventive health care’.