Abstract:
Objective-To assess the relations between early
introduction of solid food and infant weight, gastrointestinal
illness, and allergic irnesses during the
first two years oflife.
Design-Prospective observational study of
infants followed up for 24 months after birth.
Setting-Community setting in Dundee.
Patients-671 newborn infants, of whom 455 were
still available for study at 2 years ofage.
Main outcome measures-Infants' diet, weight,
and incidence of gastrointestinal illness, respiratory
illness, napkin dermatitis, and eczema at 2 weeks and
2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 months ofage.
Results-The infants given solid food at an early
age (at <8 weeks or 8-12 weeks) were heavier than
those introduced to solids later (after 12 weeks) at 4,
8, 13, and 26 weeks of age (p < 001) but not at 52 and
104 weeks. At their first solid feed those given solids
early were heavier than infants of similar age who
had not yet received solids. The incidence of gastrointestinal
illness, wheeze, and nappy dermatitis was
not related to early introduction of solids. There was
a significant but less than twofold increase in respiratory
illness at 14-26 weeks of age and persistent
cough at 14-26 and 27-39 weeks of age among the
infants given solids early. The incidence of eczema
was increased in the infants who received solids at
8-12 weeks ofage.
Conclusion-Early introduction of solid food to
infants is less harmful than was previously reported.
Longer follow up is needed, but, meanwhile, a more
relaxed approach to early feeding with solids should
be considered.
