Skip to main content
Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Systematic Review

Systematic Review Question

What is the relationship between caregiver feeding practices for children from birth to 24 months old and the weight, growth, and body composition outcomes?

Conclusion Statement

Moderate evidence from randomized controlled trials suggests that providing responsive feeding guidance to mothers to recognize and respond appropriately to a child’s hunger and satiety cues can contribute to “normal” weight gain and/or “normal” weight status in children two years and younger compared to children whose mothers did not receive responsive feeding guidance.

Grade: Moderate

Statement and Grades

Moderate evidence from longitudinal cohort studies indicates an association between maternal feeding practices and the child’s weight status and/or weight gain, but the direction of effect has not been adequately studied. Restrictive feeding practices are associated with increased weight gain and higher weight status and pressuring feeding practices are associated with decreased weight gain and lower weight status. Evidence suggests mothers' feeding practices are related to concerns about children’s body weight. 

Grade: Moderate