Beatriz Ferrari Alves, Tamires dos Santos Vieira, Aline Bergamini Effgen Sena, Luiz Carlos de Abreu

Abstract

Introduction: exclusive breastfeeding up to six months is a well-established recommendation by the World Health Organization, supported by robust evidence of its benefits for child health. However, global and national rates remain below ideal levels, with less than half of Brazilian children being exclusively breastfed until that age. Early introduction of complementary foods is associated with increased risks of overweight, obesity, and changes in the infant gut microbiota. The choice of ultra-processed foods reflects not only concerns about children’s health but may also indicate socioeconomic inequalities disguised as convenience. Factors such as low maternal education, reduced family income, and limited access to health services can negatively influence feeding practices early in life.

Objective: to analyze the relationship between neonatal screening, socioeconomic conditions, and early introduction of complementary feeding among infants under six months of age.

Method: infant feeding patterns were investigated in relation to neonatal care indicators (heel prick test, hearing screening, and pentavalent vaccination). The effects of neonatal care were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models, with sex, caregiver’s race/skin color, and per capita income as control variables, and feeding practices as outcomes. A significance level of p < 0.05 was adopted. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 25.

Results: the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 25.9%. Consumption of healthy foods was observed in 89.2% of infants, while 57.3% consumed unhealthy foods. Non-nutritive liquid intake occurred in 45.9% of infants. Socioeconomic characterization showed that most caregivers were female, self-identified as brown, and 89.8% of families had a per capita income below two minimum wages. Furthermore, 9.6% of infants did not undergo the heel prick test before the fifth day of life, and 44.2% did not take the hearing test before the second day of life. Additionally, 16.5% of infants presented incomplete pentavalent vaccination, with fewer than three doses administered.

Conclusion: early introduction of complementary feeding among infants under six months was associated with delayed neonatal screening, incomplete vaccination, and unfavorable socioeconomic conditions. Infants who underwent timely neonatal screening showed a higher prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding, while families with lower income were more likely to discontinue breastfeeding early. These findings highlight the importance of public policies integrating health actions and social equity measures to promote adequate feeding practices from the first months of life.

Keywords: infant; infant nutrition; neonatal screening; perinatal care.

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