A new study has revealed baby feeding patterns and nutrition in Ireland are "far from ideal", with the nation recording the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe.

According to the Food Safety Authority in Ireland's (FSAI's) Scientific Recommendations for a National Feeding Policy in Ireland report, the weaning of infants from milk to solid food is also an area that needs particular attention.

It is estimated that 71 per cent of babies are being weaned too early and, in many cases, onto foods that are not suitable for youngsters such as crisps, chocolate pudding and soft drinks.

Chief specialist in public health nutrition at the FSAI Dr Mary Flynn commented: "We now know that health problems … that affect many adults in Ireland today may be partly due to the inadequacy of their mother's diet during pregnancy and how they were fed as babies."

Chair of the FSAI Expert Working Group Ita Saul added that more work needs to be done to provide parents with practical food-based information to cover all stages of infant life.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments