PURPOSE:
to characterize the feeding of children between six and 24 months old of a Rio Grande do Sulmunicipality.
METHODS:
it is a transverse and descriptive method. The sample consisted of 88 children who were enrolled in the municipal health department. Data collection was carried out duringJuly-September 2012 interview with those responsible were conducted.
RESULTS:
it was found that 86% of infants were exclusively breastfed with an average duration of three and a half months. There was early introduction of liquids with four months of age, and on average, there was a positive correlation with shorter breastfeeding. The offer of pasty food was early, with a median of introduction in the fifth month; the consistency was adequate in the currentage. Soft drinks and snacks were consumed by 80.7% and 76.1% of the children, respectively. The bottle was used by 93.2% and the use was correlated with shorter breastfeeding. The pacifier was used by 64% of them. From the responsible, about 47,7% had received informations of the introduction of foodby pediatricians (47.7%).
CONCLUSION:
it was found that both the practice of exclusive breastfeeding and the complemented feeding occur in a shorter period than recommended. Theearly introduction of liquids and pastes was predominant. There was high use of bottles and pacifiers. Even though the pediatrician was the most cited source of information about feeding, we also identified lay advice.
Public Health; Breast Feeding; Feeding; Child
