Irish infants are being given solids too early

Many Irish babies are being fed solid food far too early after birth, are often weaned onto cow's milk too soon or are taking inappropriate drinks such as fruit juices and tea in their first year, according to a report on infant feeding practices.

The report, issued by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland yesterday, shows these practices lead to health problems such as obesity, iron deficiency and, in some instances, impaired development, which can be permanent. It draws on international and Irish research and makes 69 recommendations to improve the health of children as they grow.

It confirms that Ireland has the lowest level of breast-feeding in Europe - 38 per cent of Irish mothers leave hospital breast-feeding, but only 26 per cent are still breast-feeding after a month. Only 18 per cent are exclusively breast-feeding.

The "Recommendations for a National Infant Feed Policy" was produced by the FSAI's infant feeding sub-committee chaired by Dr Mary Flynn, lecturer in nutrition and dietetics at Dublin Institute of Technology and Trinity College.

Some 12 per cent of infants in Ireland are given solids within a month of birth and 31 per cent at two months in the mistaken belief that it is in the child's best interests. The recommended age for the introduction of solids is not before 15 weeks. The risks associated with feeding solids too early include childhood wheezing, increased body weight and body fat.

Cow's milk should not be used as the main milk drink before the age of one (low fat milk is generally unsuitable for infants), though fruit drinks can be introduced after four months. Tea and fizzy drinks should not be given in the first year, and mineral water should not be used to make up bottle feeds as it may have a high solute (due to liquid/gas dissolved in the water by a solvent) content and inadequate fluoride.

The authors note with concern research showing that 9 per cent of Irish two-year-olds have iron deficiency anaemia related to taking cow's milk as the main drink too soon. It is a poor source of iron and vitamin D and contains excessive amounts of protein and other minerals.

This can also lead to delayed mental and physical development, according to pediatric research nutritionist Dr Valerie Freeman. "It is completely preventable with the right feeding."

Introducing solids too early was a Europe-wide problem leading to undesirable changes in body composition in terms of fat and body weight and increased respiratory problems. The Irish Infant Formula Industry Group attached to IBEC said it supported the recommendation calling for education and support of the breast-feeding mother to continue as a primary focus of health promotion for infants.

"However, those mothers who cannot breast-feed, or choose not to breast-feed, should be provided with general support and information by health professionals and industry," said its spokeswoman, Ms Kathryn Raleigh.