Early weaning is related to weight and rate of weight gain in infancy.

BACKGROUND

Evidence relating to the effect of early weaning on infant weight and weight gain is conflicting. The aim of this paper is to compare weight and weight gain in two groups of infants; one group weaned before 4 months (early weaned), the other weaned at 4 months or after.

METHODS

Feeding practices were assessed through semistructured interviews with mothers of 1-year-old infants. Weight at birth, 8 weeks and 7 months were taken from an administrative database (Child Health System), and an additional measure of weight was taken at 14 months.

RESULTS

Infants weaned early were heavier at 7 and 14 months, and gained more weight between 8 weeks and 14 months, even after breastfeeding was controlled for.

CONCLUSION

Early weaning is related to rapid weight gain in infancy. This may have implications for childhood obesity.