Recent trends in infant nutrition

Two recent studies have been carried out on the feeding practices of infants in the UK. The national survey of infant feeding reveals that although overall breast-feeding rates have improved over recent years, rates among sectors of the population with low rates have not improved. A survey of infants of Asian parentage living in the UK showed high initial rates of breast-feeding that declined until at age 4 mo they matched those of the general population. Breast-feeding rates among mothers of preterm infants has improved, but studies reveal that there is potential to improve these rates further. Mothers require practical help with breast-feeding and health care professionals need to improve practical skills to meet this need.