Complementary Food Consumption of Canadian Infants

In July, 2003, a cross-sectional survey was conducted by Heinz Canada, on a nationally representative sample of mothers with infants aged three to 12 months. The surveys mailed to new mothers consisted of 1) a questionnaire to assess demographic information and 2) a four day food diary, providing dietary data for nearly 2,951 infants. The initiation rate of breastfeeding was 73% for study infants. At three months, 81% of the infants received complementary foods (mostly cereal, fruits, and vegetables, but some had also been introduced to meats, dairy products, and mixed dishes). These data suggest a current pattern for the early introduction of complementary foods, some by three months and the majority by six months of age. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Canada now recommend exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age. The impact this recommendation may have on the feeding pattern of Canadian infants remains to be seen.