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. 2025 Aug 30;14(1):104.
doi: 10.1007/s13668-025-00692-7.

A Systematic Review of the Relation between Complementary Feeding and Children's Development

Alice Di Prete  1 , Amy T Galloway  2 , Claire Farrow  3 , Francesca Bellagamba  4 , Elsa Addessi  5
Affiliations

A Systematic Review of the Relation between Complementary Feeding and Children's Development

Alice Di Prete et al. Curr Nutr Rep. .

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this systematic review is to assess the relationship between two complementary feeding features (diet quality and feeding approach) and some aspects of infant development (cognitive development, social cognition, and language).

Recent findings: Recent reviews have explored many aspects of complementary feeding, such as the age at which first foods are introduced, child's micronutrient status, weight and health outcomes. However, there appears to be a knowledge gap in two areas that are potentially relevant for developing a healthy diet: the quality of the diet and the type of complementary feeding approach. Furthermore, reviews on complementary feeding tends to rely heavily on research from Western countries (also known as WEIRD countries), failing to provide a global perspective on infant development. Positive significant relationships were found between diet quality and (i) cognitive development (five studies), (ii) language development (six studies), (iii) social cognition (three studies), (iv) general development (six studies), and between approach and language development (two studies). Although a substantial number of findings suggest a significant relationship between diet quality and child development (20), some findings were non-significant (17), signaling that more research is needed in this field.

Keywords: Baby-led weaning; Complementary feeding; Infant development; Infant diet; Weaning approach.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flow diagram [76]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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