Healthy Start to Feeding Intervention

The purpose of this research study is to pilot test a prevention program to promote healthy introduction of solid foods and healthy weight gain among infants. Introduction of complementary foods (i.e., foods besides formula or breast milk) represents a major dietary milestone for infants. The current study will test the feasibility of a 3‐session intervention encouraging healthy introduction of complementary foods and use of a responsive feeding approach. Feasibility of the intervention and the impact of the Healthy Start to Feeding (HSF) intervention on obesity risk factors and growth will be explored. This will be achieved through exploration of the following aims and hypotheses: Aim 1: Determine feasibility of the intervention and family satisfaction with the treatment. H1: Families assigned to the intervention condition will attend equal to or greater than 67% of treatment sessions. H2: Families receiving the intervention will rate the program as helpful and consistent with the families' needs and priorities. Aim 2: Test the impact of the HSF intervention on growth trajectories, appetite regulation, and diet at post‐treatment. H1: Infants receiving the intervention will experience lower incidence of high weight‐for‐length (> 85th percentile) compared to infants in the control condition. H2: Infants in the treatment condition will show greater satiety responsiveness and lower food responsiveness as assessed through a well‐validated parent‐report measure (Baby Eating Behavior Questionnaire; Llewellyn, van Jaarsveld, Johnson, Carnell, & Wardle, 2010). H3: Infants in the treatment condition will consume a greater variety of fruits and vegetables than infants in the control condition as assessed through a food frequency questionnaire completed by parents.