Complementary Feeding Methods in Children With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Caregiver-Reported Internet-Based Survey Across Brazil

ObjectiveTo describe complementary feeding (CF) practices reported by Brazilian caregivers of children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P).DesignExploratory retrospective cross-sectional observational study using a study-specific, nonvalidated electronic questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics assessed associations between variables.SettingInternet-based survey in Brazil, recruited via social media and caregiver support groups.ParticipantsA total of 246 mothers of children aged ≥6 months with CL/P from different Brazilian regions.InterventionsNone.Main Outcome MeasuresCF, CF initiation age, food consistencies offered, utensils, meal duration, and associations with cleft type and geographic region.ResultsMost children initiated CF at 6 months. Across cleft types, the traditional method was the most frequently reported individual approach, followed by the participatory method and, less frequently, autonomy-centered methods (Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)/Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS (BLISS)); however, the traditional method did not constitute a majority, and participatory plus BLW/BLISS together represented a comparable or larger share. No significant associations were observed between feeding method and cleft type or region. Pureed and semiliquid consistencies were reported, and meal duration was predominantly 11 to 30 min.ConclusionsReported CF practices most frequently involved the traditional method, although participatory and BLW/BLISS were also reported, with most children initiating CF around 6 months. No differences were detected across cleft types; given small and uneven subgroups and caregiver-reported diagnoses, this should not be interpreted as equivalence but may reflect contextual and family-related factors beyond anatomical classification. These findings reinforce the importance of interdisciplinary guidance during CF and the need for prospective studies integrating clinical and contextual variables.