The introduction of breast milk substitutes and solid foods: Evidence from the 1995 National Health Survey

Abstract

Objective: To report the introduction of breast milk substitutes and solid foods to Australian children between 1992 and 1995. Methodology: Analysis of data from the 1995 Australian National Health Survey. Infant feeding questions were asked by personal interview in respect to 3,252 children aged under four years of age. Results: By the age of 26 weeks, the majority of children had been given infant formula (56.9%) and solid food (61.5%). More than one-quarter (27.1%) of children received cow's milk regularly during the first 12 months. Only 7% of children were given solids in the first 12 weeks of life. Soy milk was given to 14.2% of children aged less than four years. Conclusion: The major..