OBJECTIVE:

Current recommendations for infant feeding encourage breast-feeding through the first year. This research was conducted to evaluate associations among breast-feeding, maternal control of child feeding, and the dietary intake of toddlers during the second year of life. In particular, we sought to determine whether breast-feeding through the first year and subsequent toddler intake was mediated via maternal control of child feeding.

DESIGN/SUBJECTS:

Fifty-five white infants and their mothers were monitored longitudinally from age 12 or 13 months to age 18 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Breast-feeding through the first year and maternal control in infant feeding were evaluated as predictors of energy intake at age 18 months.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED:

Regression analysis was used to evaluate predictors of toddler energy intake at age 18 months. A mediation model tested if the relationship between breast-feeding and infant intake was mediated by maternal control in feeding.

RESULTS:

Breast-feeding through the first year was associated with higher toddler energy intakes at age 18 months through its influence on maternal control in feeding. Mothers who breast-fed their infants for at least 12 months used lower levels of control in feeding. Lower levels of maternal control in feeding were associated with higher toddler energy intakes. The highest energy intakes among children aged 18 months were observed among taller and leaner toddlers.

APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggest that breast-feeding through the first year may have an effect on children's energy intake by shaping mothers' child-feeding practices. These findings may be used by clinicians to assist parents in making informed decisions about choice of infant-feeding method and to provide anticipatory guidance regarding infant-feeding style when initiating dietary diversity.