From the Research
A helpful mnemonic for baby feeding is "BREAST," which stands for Bonding, Responsive feeding, Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, Assess feeding regularly, Start complementary foods at 6 months, and Transition gradually. This approach is supported by the most recent study 1, which highlights the importance of early initiation of enteral feeding in preterm infants. The "BREAST" mnemonic reminds parents to:
- Focus on bonding during feeding times
- Respond to baby's hunger and fullness cues rather than forcing a schedule
- Provide only breast milk (or formula if necessary) for the first 6 months
- Regularly check that baby is gaining weight appropriately
- Introduce solid foods at 6 months while continuing breast milk or formula
- Gradually transition to more varied foods as the baby grows This approach aligns with developmental needs because exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months provides optimal nutrition and immunity benefits, while introducing solids at 6 months meets the baby's changing nutritional requirements and developmental readiness, as noted in 2. Responsive feeding helps establish healthy eating patterns by teaching babies to recognize their own hunger and fullness signals, which can prevent feeding problems later in childhood, as discussed in 3 and 4. Additionally, the study 5 emphasizes the importance of considering food allergy in breastfed infants and the potential risks of maternal elimination diets. Overall, the "BREAST" mnemonic provides a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to baby feeding, prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes.