OBJECTIVES: to analyze the information available on internet sites regarding maternal breast feeding and complementary feeding according to the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was carried out using a sample of 103 sites for professional healthcare workers. Information was analyzed on maternal breast feeding (MB) and complementary feeding (CF). The information was quantified and analyzed qualitatively. RESULTS: the recommendations for MB were: that it should be exclusive up to the 6th month of life (64.1%); that no water or tea should be added (31.1%); that it should last for two years or more (36.9%); and that bottles and/or pacifiers should not be used (33%). For CF, the term weaning was used (30.1%), it was recommended that solid feeding begin in the 6th month of life (47.9%), involving fruit pulp (11.6%) or juice (9.7%); and soup (14.6%). According to the qualitative analysis, incorrect information included recommending the consumption of meat in the 12th month of life, regular meals, the introduction of solid food in the 7th month and the consumption of cow's milk in the 6th month. CONCLUSIONS: most of the information on breast feeding accords with the advice of the Brazilian Ministry of Health, but is not sufficient to encourage breast feeding. The information on complementary feeding mostly diverges from the official recommendations.
Internet; Breast feeding; Supplementary feeding
