Toddler dietary patterns from the INSIGHT randomized clinical trial comparing responsive parenting versus control: A latent class analysis

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a responsive parenting (RP) intervention on toddler diet and explore associations with mothers' infant feeding practices and child weight status.

Methods

INSIGHT tested an RP intervention designed for the prevention of obesity against a safety control among primiparous mothers and their infants. Mothers reported on feeding practices, as well as toddler diet with a Food Frequency Questionnaire (n = 229). Trained research staff obtained child anthropometrics at age 2 years.

Results

Latent class analysis identified three dietary patterns: high fruits and vegetables (HFV, 31%); meat, potatoes, and added sugars (MPAS, 24%); and high juice, low fruits and vegetables (JLFV, 45%). Toddler dietary pattern was not related to study group (RP, control) or child weight status at age 2 years. Mothers who reported more structure-based feeding had toddlers that were more likely to have the healthier, HFV dietary pattern than MPAS and JLFV. Findings for control-based feeding practices were mixed; maternal restriction was associated with the HFV dietary pattern, whereas the use of food as a reward was associated with MPAS and JLFV.

Conclusions

Mothers' structure-based feeding practices in infancy, as well as some control-based feeding practices, were associated with later healthier toddler dietary patterns.