Preterm infants have distinct physiological characteristics compared to full-term infants

Breastfed babies have higher frequency of defecation and softer stools than bottle-fed babies

Breast milk is a dynamic solution which changes to match the evolving nutritional needs of developing babies. Lower protein intake in infancy may decrease the risk of being overweight or obese later in life.

Optimal timing and content of complementary feeding (CF) will support the development of healthy dietary patterns in infants, with subsequent beneficial effects on health outcomes in later life.

There are significant problems, for both mother and child, associated with over/under-weight mothers and infants who are small/large size at birth. Proper nutrition and healthcare for both mother and infant throughout pregnancy and the first few years of childhood are vital to give the infant the optimum health outcome possible.

Patterns formed in the earliest months of existence can shape the taste preferences of a lifetime. Early sensory experiences influence these patterns. Consumption of a healthy diet by a mother increases the likelihood that her child will prefer the same healthy foods.