A alimentação da criança no primeiro ano de vida é essencial para o crescimento e desenvolvimento adequados. A Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) recomenda que o aleitamento materno seja exclusivo até os seis meses de vida e que os alimentos complementares sejam introduzidos a partir desta idade. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram estimar a prevalência do aleitamento materno em crianças menores de 1 ano de idade e descrever a alimentação complementar entre as crianças estudadas. O estudo transversal, descritivo abrangeu 821 crianças menores de um ano de idade vacinadas na Segunda Etapa da Campanha Nacional de Vacinação nos Postos de Saúde da cidade de Guarapuava-PR. A coleta dos dados foi realizada com as mães e/ou responsáveis por crianças menores de 1 ano de idade que compareceram aos Postos de Saúde naquela data. O instrumento utilizado nesta pesquisa foi o questionário elaborado e validado pelo Instituto de Saúde da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de São Paulo-SP e parcerias. A análise dos dados deu-se através da análise das freqüências simples de todas as variáveis coletadas. Com relação aos indicadores de aleitamento materno, 68,9% das crianças estavam em aleitamento materno, sendo 86,2% e 39,8% entre crianças menores de 4 e 6 meses, respectivamente. Considerando os indicadores de aleitamento materno exclusivo e predominante, verificou-se que entre as crianças menores de 4 meses foi de 46,4% e 41,4%, respectivamente. Para as crianças menores de 6 meses, verificou-se os seguintes percentuais: 37,3% e 18,9%, respectivamente. Entre as crianças menores de quatro e seis meses, 31,9% e 45,3% estavam recebendo outro tipo de leite que não o humano. Entre as crianças menores ou iguais a 4 meses, 5,1% estavam em alimentação complementar, e entre as menores ou iguais a 6 meses 14% , recebendo chá, água, suco, fruta, sopa de legumes e comida de panela nas últimas 24 horas. Este estudo mostrou que os indicadores de Aleitamento Materno – Aleitamento Materno e Aleitamento Materno Exclusivo estão muito aquém do preconizado pela OMS e que a introdução da alimentação complementar é precoce tanto entre crianças amamentadas como em crianças não amamentadas. / What children eat in the first year of life is essential with a view to adequate growth and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age and that complementary foods be introduced from that age onwards. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of breastfeeding among children under 1 year old, as well as to describe the introduction of complementary foods among the children in this study. A cross-sectional and descriptive study was realized among 821 infants under 1 year old who were vaccinated in the Second Phase of the National Vaccination Campaign at Health Centers in Guarapuava-PR, Brazil. Data collection involved the mothers and/or responsibles for infants under 1 year old who came to the Health Centers on that day, using the questionnaire elaborated and validated by the Health Institute of the São Paulo State Health Secretary and its partners. The collected data were subject to simple frequency analysis of all variables. As to breastfeeding indicators, 68.9% of the infants received breastfeeding, with 86.2% and 39.8% of children under 4 and 6 months, respectively. Exclusive and predominant breastfeeding indicators corresponded to 46.4% and 41.4%, respectively, among children under 4 months old, against 37.3% and 18.9% for children under 6 months of age. 31.9% and 45.3% of children under 4 and 6 months old were receiving nonhuman milk. 5.1% of children aged 4 months or older and 14% of those aged 6 months or older received complementary feeding, having consumed tea, water, juice, fruit, vegetable soup and homemade food during the last 24 hours. This study has shown that Breastfeeding – Breastfeeding and Exclusive Breastfeeding indicators remain much below the levels set by the WHO and that complementary foods are introduced at an early stage for children who are breastfed or not.

A alimentação da criança no primeiro ano de vida é essencial para o crescimento e desenvolvimento adequados. A Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) recomenda que o aleitamento materno seja exclusivo até os seis meses de vida e que os alimentos complementares sejam introduzidos a partir desta idade. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram estimar a prevalência do aleitamento materno em crianças menores de 1 ano de idade e descrever a alimentação complementar entre as crianças estudadas. O estudo transversal, descritivo abrangeu 821 crianças menores de um ano de idade vacinadas na Segunda Etapa da Campanha Nacional de Vacinação nos Postos de Saúde da cidade de Guarapuava-PR. A coleta dos dados foi realizada com as mães e/ou responsáveis por crianças menores de 1 ano de idade que compareceram aos Postos de Saúde naquela data. O instrumento utilizado nesta pesquisa foi o questionário elaborado e validado pelo Instituto de Saúde da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de São Paulo-SP e parcerias. A análise dos dados deu-se através da análise das freqüências simples de todas as variáveis coletadas. Com relação aos indicadores de aleitamento materno, 68,9% das crianças estavam em aleitamento materno, sendo 86,2% e 39,8% entre crianças menores de 4 e 6 meses, respectivamente. Considerando os indicadores de aleitamento materno exclusivo e predominante, verificou-se que entre as crianças menores de 4 meses foi de 46,4% e 41,4%, respectivamente. Para as crianças menores de 6 meses, verificou-se os seguintes percentuais: 37,3% e 18,9%, respectivamente. Entre as crianças menores de quatro e seis meses, 31,9% e 45,3% estavam recebendo outro tipo de leite que não o humano. Entre as crianças menores ou iguais a 4 meses, 5,1% estavam em alimentação complementar, e entre as menores ou iguais a 6 meses 14% , recebendo chá, água, suco, fruta, sopa de legumes e comida de panela nas últimas 24 horas. Este estudo mostrou que os indicadores de Aleitamento Materno – Aleitamento Materno e Aleitamento Materno Exclusivo estão muito aquém do preconizado pela OMS e que a introdução da alimentação complementar é precoce tanto entre crianças amamentadas como em crianças não amamentadas. / What children eat in the first year of life is essential with a view to adequate growth and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age and that complementary foods be introduced from that age onwards. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of breastfeeding among children under 1 year old, as well as to describe the introduction of complementary foods among the children in this study. A cross-sectional and descriptive study was realized among 821 infants under 1 year old who were vaccinated in the Second Phase of the National Vaccination Campaign at Health Centers in Guarapuava-PR, Brazil. Data collection involved the mothers and/or responsibles for infants under 1 year old who came to the Health Centers on that day, using the questionnaire elaborated and validated by the Health Institute of the São Paulo State Health Secretary and its partners. The collected data were subject to simple frequency analysis of all variables. As to breastfeeding indicators, 68.9% of the infants received breastfeeding, with 86.2% and 39.8% of children under 4 and 6 months, respectively. Exclusive and predominant breastfeeding indicators corresponded to 46.4% and 41.4%, respectively, among children under 4 months old, against 37.3% and 18.9% for children under 6 months of age. 31.9% and 45.3% of children under 4 and 6 months old were receiving nonhuman milk. 5.1% of children aged 4 months or older and 14% of those aged 6 months or older received complementary feeding, having consumed tea, water, juice, fruit, vegetable soup and homemade food during the last 24 hours. This study has shown that Breastfeeding – Breastfeeding and Exclusive Breastfeeding indicators remain much below the levels set by the WHO and that complementary foods are introduced at an early stage for children who are breastfed or not.

Yes / Mothers' responsiveness to hunger and fullness cues has been implicated in the development of infant over-weight, and baby led weaning (BLW) is argued to be one way to protect against overfeeding. Whilst studies have examined maternal perceptions of hunger, fullness and adequate intake to some degree in traditional weaning (TW) contexts, less is known about this in BLW. This study therefore aimed to understand and compare maternal perceptions of cues and intake in BLW and TW. Eleven mothers of infants (7–24m) participated in semi-structured interviews based on discussions of short videos featuring participants feeding their infants. Interviews were read and transcribed in full. Data were selected for coding which addressed mothers' perceptions of infant hunger, fullness and sufficient consumption and subsequently subjected to template analysis. A sample of data was coded to produce an initial template which was applied to all interviews and revised in an iterative process to produce a final template for interpreting findings. Mothers in the study were adept at recognising fullness cues and gauging feeding state. Both groups perceived similar hunger cues although TW mothers reported a wider range of fullness cues. Both groups used numerous strategies for judging the adequacy of their babies’ intake. These included the use of infant cues, however perceived adequacy of intake was also influenced by factors such as infant tiredness and maternal worries about over and under-eating. Findings have implications for the development of responsive feeding interventions while also highlighting the utility of video elicited interviews for understanding feeding interactions. / This work was supported by a White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership Economic and Social Research Council PhD studentship (UK) to Janet McNally.

This study explored the factors which affect the feeding and weaning practices of Emirati mothers as well as the experiences and perceptions which influence their breastfeeding decisions. It used both quantitative and qualitative methods to examine Emirati mothers’ understanding of infant feeding and to identify the factors which appeared to have a relevant effect and locate them in their cultural context. n the survey, a convenientce sample of 593 mothers with infants aged up to 2 years was interviewed face to face in the maternal and child healthcare centers in Al Ain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The interview was based on a pretested structured questionnaire. The results of multiple logistic analysis showed that the time of initiation of the first breastfeed was significantly associated with the infant’s birth weight (OR=2.007; P<0.023), parity (OR=2.139; P<0.001) and rooming in (OR=21.70; P<0.001). As for the feeding patterns, the results of the multiple logistic analysis revealed that rooming in (OR=4.485; P<0.001), feeding on demand (OR=2.290; P<0.005) and feeding more frequently at night (P<0.001) emerged as significant factors associated with exclusive or almost exclusive breastfeeding practices. The duration of breastfeeding rate was significantly influenced by many variables. Concerning the duration of lactational amenorrhea, the, the multiple logistic analysis showed that mother's age, breastfeeding duration and the early introduction of formula milk and solid food emerged as significant variables. Among the 593 infants in the study, 24.1% were predominantly breastfed,25% of the infants were exclusively breastfed, and 49.4% were almost exclusively breastfed since birth. Fifteen Emirati mothers from each city were interviewed about their breastfeeding practices, beliefs and perceptions. The following themes emerged: the influence of others, the sources of information, infants’ behavior, knowledge of and attitudes towards current WHO recommendations and mothers’ perception of the benefits of breastfeeding. Health promotions and healthcare facilities failed to deliver the message of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. Grandmothers and mothers-in-law appeared to influence the mother's breastfeeding practices. In conclusion, there is a need for a national community-based breastfeeding intervention programme for the promoting exclusive breastfeeding practices as part of a primary public health strategy.

Introdução. O aleitamento materno é a mais sábia estratégia natural de vínculo, afeto, proteção e nutrição para a criança e constitui a mais sensível, econômica e eficaz intervenção para redução da morbimortalidade infantil. Para a continuidade da nutrição adequada e do desenvolvimento saudável de crianças, é fundamental que a introdução de alimentos seguros, acessíveis e culturalmente aceitos na dieta da criança ocorra em época oportuna e de forma adequada. Objetivo. Analisar a situação da amamentação e alimentação complementar no município de Registro-SP, em 2011. Métodos. Foram coletadas informações sobre alimentação infantil, características das crianças menores de um ano de idade e de suas mães, seguindo a metodologia proposta no projeto Amamentação e Municípios, do Instituto de Saúde. Os dados foram digitados no aplicativo AMAMUNIC 1.0 e transportados para o programa SPSS 13.0. Realizou-se a análise dos indicadores de aleitamento materno e alimentação complementar, propostos pela Organização Mundial de Saúde. A associação entre os desfechos (aleitamento materno exclusivo e alimentação complementar) e as variáveis explanatórias (características maternas e das crianças), realizou-se por meio do modelo de Poisson, por se tratar de um estudo transversal e desfechos não raros. As variáveis que, na análise bivariada apresentaram p<0.20 foram introduzidas no modelo múltiplo. Resultados. Foram incluídas no estudo 713 crianças menores de um ano. A prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo (AME) em menores de seis meses foi de 50 por cento e a probabilidade de AME aos 180 dias de vida foi 13,1 por cento . As crianças que estavam em AME no primeiro dia em casa e não usavam chupeta foram as que apresentaram maior chance de AME. Verificou-se que apenas dois terços das crianças estavam recebendo a AC de acordo com as recomendações do Ministério da Saúde e 70 por cento recebiam alimentos não saudáveis. Não utilizar mamadeira foi a única variável que mostrou influência positiva sobre as práticas de alimentação complementar. Conclusões. A situação encontrada nesse estudo está aquém das recomendações propostas pela OMS, entretanto esses resultados poderão contribuir para o desenho de intervenções no local / Introduction. Breastfeeding is the best natural strategy of bonding, affection, protection and nutrition for children and is the most sensitive, cost-effective intervention to reduce infant morbidity and mortality. For the continuity of proper nutrition and healthy development of children, it is essential that the introduction of safe, affordable and culturally acceptable food in the diet of the child occurs in timing and appropriately. Objective. To analyze the situation of breastfeeding and complementary feeding in the city of Registro, SP, Brazil, in 2011. Methods. Information about infant feeding, characteristics of children under one year of age and their mothers were collected following the methodology of Breastfeeding and Municipalities Project. Data were typed into the software AMAMUNIC 1.0 and transported to SPSS 13.0. The analysis of breastfeeding and complementary feeding indicators were performed based on World Health Organization recommendations. The association between outcomes (exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding indicators) and the explanatory variables (characteristics of mothers and children), was performed by the Poisson model, because it is a cross-sectional study of not rare outcomes. The variables in the bivariate analysis with p <0.20 were included in the multivariable model. Results. The study included 713 children under one year. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 50 per cent and the probability of EBF up to 180 days of life was only 13,1 per cent . The analysis of the determinants of EBF showed that children who were exclusively breastfed in the first day at home and not using pacifiers showed the greatest chance of EBF. When analyzed indicators of complementary feeding (CF), it was found that only two thirds were receiving the CF in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and 70 per cent had unhealthy foods. Children not using bottles showed positive influence on complementary feeding practices. Conclusions. The situation found in this study is far from recommendations by WHO, however these results may contribute to the design of interventions in place

Introdução. O aleitamento materno é a mais sábia estratégia natural de vínculo, afeto, proteção e nutrição para a criança e constitui a mais sensível, econômica e eficaz intervenção para redução da morbimortalidade infantil. Para a continuidade da nutrição adequada e do desenvolvimento saudável de crianças, é fundamental que a introdução de alimentos seguros, acessíveis e culturalmente aceitos na dieta da criança ocorra em época oportuna e de forma adequada. Objetivo. Analisar a situação da amamentação e alimentação complementar no município de Registro-SP, em 2011. Métodos. Foram coletadas informações sobre alimentação infantil, características das crianças menores de um ano de idade e de suas mães, seguindo a metodologia proposta no projeto Amamentação e Municípios, do Instituto de Saúde. Os dados foram digitados no aplicativo AMAMUNIC 1.0 e transportados para o programa SPSS 13.0. Realizou-se a análise dos indicadores de aleitamento materno e alimentação complementar, propostos pela Organização Mundial de Saúde. A associação entre os desfechos (aleitamento materno exclusivo e alimentação complementar) e as variáveis explanatórias (características maternas e das crianças), realizou-se por meio do modelo de Poisson, por se tratar de um estudo transversal e desfechos não raros. As variáveis que, na análise bivariada apresentaram p<0.20 foram introduzidas no modelo múltiplo. Resultados. Foram incluídas no estudo 713 crianças menores de um ano. A prevalência de aleitamento materno exclusivo (AME) em menores de seis meses foi de 50 por cento e a probabilidade de AME aos 180 dias de vida foi 13,1 por cento . As crianças que estavam em AME no primeiro dia em casa e não usavam chupeta foram as que apresentaram maior chance de AME. Verificou-se que apenas dois terços das crianças estavam recebendo a AC de acordo com as recomendações do Ministério da Saúde e 70 por cento recebiam alimentos não saudáveis. Não utilizar mamadeira foi a única variável que mostrou influência positiva sobre as práticas de alimentação complementar. Conclusões. A situação encontrada nesse estudo está aquém das recomendações propostas pela OMS, entretanto esses resultados poderão contribuir para o desenho de intervenções no local / Introduction. Breastfeeding is the best natural strategy of bonding, affection, protection and nutrition for children and is the most sensitive, cost-effective intervention to reduce infant morbidity and mortality. For the continuity of proper nutrition and healthy development of children, it is essential that the introduction of safe, affordable and culturally acceptable food in the diet of the child occurs in timing and appropriately. Objective. To analyze the situation of breastfeeding and complementary feeding in the city of Registro, SP, Brazil, in 2011. Methods. Information about infant feeding, characteristics of children under one year of age and their mothers were collected following the methodology of Breastfeeding and Municipalities Project. Data were typed into the software AMAMUNIC 1.0 and transported to SPSS 13.0. The analysis of breastfeeding and complementary feeding indicators were performed based on World Health Organization recommendations. The association between outcomes (exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding indicators) and the explanatory variables (characteristics of mothers and children), was performed by the Poisson model, because it is a cross-sectional study of not rare outcomes. The variables in the bivariate analysis with p <0.20 were included in the multivariable model. Results. The study included 713 children under one year. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 50 per cent and the probability of EBF up to 180 days of life was only 13,1 per cent . The analysis of the determinants of EBF showed that children who were exclusively breastfed in the first day at home and not using pacifiers showed the greatest chance of EBF. When analyzed indicators of complementary feeding (CF), it was found that only two thirds were receiving the CF in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and 70 per cent had unhealthy foods. Children not using bottles showed positive influence on complementary feeding practices. Conclusions. The situation found in this study is far from recommendations by WHO, however these results may contribute to the design of interventions in place

Infants and young children in the Northwest province of Nigeria are susceptible to malnutrition. Inappropriate and inadequate breastfeeding and complementary feeding result in stunting, underweight, and wasting. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine current feeding practices of infants not older than 2 years and their nutritional status in Northwest Nigeria. The theory of planned behavior was adopted in this research. With a total sample size of 3,861, multiple linear regression was adopted as a predictive analysis to delineate the correlation between two or more independent variables and one continuous dependent variable. Also, adopted was an independent t test to demonstrate the statistical difference between the mean of the dependent variable and that of the independent variable. The coefficient of determination (R2) indicated that the change in underweight associated with exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 8.1%. The overall regression model was significant, F(18, 879) = 4.29, p < .05, adj. R2 = .06 predicted underweight in infants under 6 months of age. The coefficient of determination (R2) indicated that the changes in underweight associated with age appropriate complementary (CP) feeding was 8.0%. The overall regression model was significant, F(18, 2,944) = 14.29, p < .05, adj. R2 = .08. The model predicted underweight in infants 624 months of age. The results from this study can be used in the reinforcement of EBF and age appropriate CP guidelines and policies by the extension of paid leave, implementing flexibility in working hours, and private space to breastfeed.

Magister Public Health - MPH / The first 1000 days of life represents the period from conception right up to a child’s second birthday. Over the years, there has been a growing body of evidence focusing on the importance of nutrition during this period; also referred to as the ‘window of life’. It is during this period that most incidents of stunting occur. Age appropriate nutrition can provide a child with positive health benefits for the rest of their life. During these first two years infant and young child feeding practices are ideally made up of optimal breastfeeding practices (i.e. exclusive breastfeeding from birth up to six months and continued breastfeeding up to or beyond two years), along with age appropriate complementary feeding practices from six months up to two years. To date, local research studies that have explored the role of parents in infant and young child feeding have tended to focus, firstly, more on the mothers than the fathers, and secondly, have tended to focus more on breastfeeding than complementary feeding and practices. By conducting this research study, it was anticipated that rich information would be accessed from fathers in the district that could then be used to assist the local health workers and district health management team to improve the current infant and young child feeding interventions being implemented at district and community level specifically for children 6 to 23 months.

Master of Public Health - MPH / The burden of malnutrition continues to persist and is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in children. According to the results of the Zimbabwe Multiple indicator cluster survey in 2019, stunting remains high at (26.8%) and the leading form of malnutrition, affecting 1 in 3 children less than 5 years in Zimbabwe. Suboptimal feeding practices have been identified as one of the many causes of malnutrition. Various studies have shown that many risk factors of malnutrition can be addressed during the crucial first 1000 days of life. Cultural beliefs, values, and practices play a vital role in the pre and postnatal period. However, there is a knowledge gap in how culture influences the caregivers regarding feeding and dietary intake. Therefore, the study’s major aim was to explore the cultural beliefs and practices of caregivers of malnourished children between 6-24 months, regarding dietary intake and feeding practices in Gweru, Zimbabwe.

Introdução - A alimentação de boa qualidade quando oferecida à criança pequena, determina o pleno desenvolvimento deste indivíduo em todas as fases de sua vida com repercussão para as gerações futuras. Bebês e crianças pequenas dependem inteiramente de seus cuidadores para saber o que, quando e como comer. Objetivo - Caracterizar barreiras e facilitadores na adoção da alimentação complementar em crianças de 6 a 12 meses, sob a ótica de cuidadores. Métodos - Trata-se de um estudo com abordagem qualitativa que utilizou a técnica do grupo focal em dois encontros, o primeiro com mães frequentadoras de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde em um município da região metropolitana de São Paulo e o segundo com mães que frequentam uma clínica de pediatria privada no município de São Paulo. Para abordar as questões de gênero realizou-se entrevistas em profundidade com pais que foram abordados individualmente. O tema central de todos os encontros foi a alimentação complementar das crianças entre 6 e 12 meses, por meio de roteiros previamente estabelecidos. Os relatos foram gravados, rigorosamente transcritos e deles constituíram-se as seguintes categorias de análise: Crenças, opiniões e atitudes; Influências formais e informais sobre as práticas de alimentação complementar; Papel dos Fatores Socioeconômicos e Questões de gênero. Resultados - Os sistemas de crenças familiares afetam as práticas de alimentação das crianças. As influências informais, tais como redes de apoio de familiares e parentes, redes sociais, internet se digladiam e ganham espaço sobre as formais, caracterizadas pelas orientações recebidas pelo pediatra e outros profissionais de saúde. Há uma transformação evidente no papel do pai, que abarca atitudes de compartilhamento e envolvimento com os filhos, porém a divisão de tarefas entre os gêneros é desigual e revela sobrecarga para a mãe. Os dilemas e dúvidas são de toda ordem e independem da realidade sociocultural. Conclusões - Os serviços de saúde pela proximidade que possuem na abordagem da pessoa e das famílias encontram-se numa situação privilegiada para orientar. É necessário, porém, que sejam capazes de providenciar informação e apoio nas questões mais cruciais sobre alimentação complementar de forma clara e com exemplos, instrumentalizados pelo conhecimento do impacto que cada escolha provoca e desta forma motivar os cuidadores a um novo comportamento ou mudança. Que seja incluída orientação com explicação sobre o impacto da parentalidade responsiva. Que as intervenções incluam participação do pai e das avós e que as mensagens, além da mãe, se estendam a ambos e por fim, que a Internet seja utilizada como veículo por fontes confiáveis para a propagação das mensagens sobre alimentação complementar. / Introduction - A good quality diet in young children promotes optimal development during all phases of life and impacts future generations. Babies and young children are reliant on their caregivers to know what, when and how to eat. Objective - To characterize barriers and facilitators for adopting complementary feeding in infants aged 6-12 months, from the perspective of caregivers. Methods - A qualitative study using the focus group technique was conducted. Two meetings were held, the first involved mothers who were users of a Primary Health Unit in a city located in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, whereas the second involved mothers who were clients of a private pediatric clinic in São Paulo city. Gender-specific issues were addressed by holding in-depth interviews with each father separately. The central theme for all meetings was complementary feeding of infants aged 6-12 months using pre-established scripts. Participant narratives were recorded, carefully transcribed, and the following categories of analysis derived from them: Beliefs, opinions and attitudes; Formal and informal influences on complementary feeding practices; Role of Socioeconomic Factors and Gender Issues. Results - The belief systems of family members influence child feeding practices. Informal influences, such as support networks of family members and relatives, social networks and internet increasingly compete with formal influences such as guidance from the pediatrician and other health professionals. There was a clear shift in the role of fathers, encompassing attitudes of sharing and involvement with the children, although the division of tasks between genders was skewed, with mothers overburdened. All manner of dilemmas and doubts emerged, independently of sociocultural situation. Conclusions - Health services, given their proximity to both the individual and families, are best placed to provide guidance. However, they must be able to provide clear information and support on the most crucial issues concerning complementary feeding with examples. This must be supported by knowledge on the impact of each choice, thereby encouraging caregivers to modify behavior or change. Guidance with explanation of the impact of responsive parenting should be included. Interventions should involve fathers and grandmothers, where messages should be directed to both these groups, besides the mother. Lastly, the internet should be used as vehicle by reliable sources of information to communicate messages about complementary feeding.