Early introduction of complementary foods in infants under six months: a case study from Rio Verde, Brazil

Exclusive maternal breastfeeding is recommended until the infant is six months old, with the subsequent introduction of food gradually. We investigated the prevalence of early complementary feeding in the first six months of life in a medium-sized city in the Midwest region of Brazil (Rio Verde, GO, Brazil). Of the 564 infants under six months of age, 81.2% of infants were breastfed in the last 24 hours, wherein 21.5% were exclusively breastfed, 15.9% received a complementary milk form, and 43.8% received another type of milk. When questioned if the infant had been introduced to complementary feeding at any point since birth, 49.3% of parents or guardians replied in the affirmative, of which 41.8% of infants received water, 21.5% received tea, and 12.1% were given natural fruit juice or coconut water. There was a positive correlation between the introduction of water or foods other than breast milk and the highest level of parental or guardian's education. Our results demonstrate a persisting need to improve public policy programs that encourage breastfeeding.