Researchers studied 141 Turkish mothers and their babies aged 9-24 months to see what the little ones were eating and how mom’s attitudes affected their diet. While most babies were growing normally and getting enough calories, nearly all were missing important nutrients like omega-3 fats and vitamin D. The study found that when mothers felt stressed or negative about feeding time, their babies often didn’t get enough food. This research shows that both what babies eat and how parents feel about feeding matters for healthy growth.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How well Turkish babies and toddlers were eating and whether their mothers’ feelings about feeding affected their nutrition
  • Who participated: 141 mothers with babies aged 9-24 months living in Turkey
  • Key finding: Almost all babies (99%) weren’t getting enough omega-3 fats, and 91% weren’t getting enough vitamin D, even though most were growing normally
  • What it means for you: If you have a young child, focus on foods rich in omega-3s and vitamin D, and try to keep mealtimes positive and stress-free

The Research Details

Researchers interviewed 141 Turkish mothers face-to-face about what their babies ate in the past 24 hours. They also measured the babies’ weight, height, and neck size to see how well they were growing. The mothers filled out a questionnaire about their feelings and attitudes toward feeding their children, including whether they felt stressed, worried, or confident during mealtimes. This type of study is called a cross-sectional study, which means it captures a snapshot of what’s happening at one point in time rather than following families over months or years.

This approach gives us a clear picture of what babies are actually eating in real life, not in a controlled lab setting. By connecting mothers’ feelings with their babies’ nutrition, researchers can better understand why some children might not be getting the nutrients they need.

The study used well-established methods for measuring food intake and maternal attitudes. However, it only looked at families in Turkey at one point in time, so the results might not apply to all families or show long-term effects.

What the Results Show

The babies were getting plenty of calories and protein - in fact, they were getting more protein than recommended. However, they were seriously lacking in several key nutrients. Nearly 99% weren’t getting enough omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are important for brain development. About 91% weren’t getting enough vitamin D, which helps build strong bones. Almost half weren’t getting enough iron, and 40% weren’t getting enough fiber. Despite these nutrient gaps, most babies were growing normally, with 89% having healthy weights and 85% having normal heights for their age.

The study found interesting connections between how mothers felt about feeding and how well their babies ate. When mothers felt more negative or stressed during meals, their babies tended to eat less overall. Mothers who worried more about their feeding skills or cared too much about what others thought also had babies who didn’t eat as well.

This study adds to growing evidence that many young children worldwide aren’t getting enough omega-3 fats and vitamin D, even in families where children appear to be growing well. The connection between maternal stress and child eating has been seen in other countries too.

This study only looked at Turkish families at one point in time, so we can’t say these results apply to all families or predict long-term health effects. The researchers relied on mothers remembering what their babies ate in the past day, which might not be perfectly accurate.

The Bottom Line

Parents should focus on including foods rich in omega-3s (like fish) and vitamin D in their young children’s diets, and consider supplements if recommended by their pediatrician. Try to keep mealtimes relaxed and positive, as stress during feeding may affect how much children eat.

Parents of babies and toddlers aged 9-24 months should pay attention to these findings, especially if they’re concerned about their child’s nutrition. Healthcare providers working with young families may also find this information helpful.

Nutritional improvements can begin immediately with dietary changes, though it may take several weeks to see changes in nutrient levels and months to see impacts on growth and development.

Want to Apply This Research?

Use the Gram app to:

  • Track your child’s weekly intake of omega-3 rich foods (fish, fortified foods) and vitamin D sources (fortified milk, supplements)
  • Log your mood and stress level before and during your child’s meals to identify patterns between your feelings and their eating
  • Monitor your child’s acceptance of new nutrient-rich foods over time and track any supplements recommended by your pediatrician

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician before making significant changes to your child’s diet or starting any supplements.