The length of time mothers breastfeeds their infants. This can include the length of time mothers exclusively breastfed their infants or the length of time before mothers ceased all breastfeeding.

Feeding the infant only breast milk, without introducing solids or formula. 

The method by which the infant is fed. This can include single feeding approaches or a combination of feeding approaches. 

The quantity of formula milk consumed, either per feed or per day. 

The type of formula provided to infants. (e.g. early baby, hungry baby).

How capable the mother feels about her ability to breastfeed. 

The infant’s age when solids were introduced to the diet. Solids are considered any food or liquid substance, other than breast milk or formula milk. 

Parent/Caregiver knowledge of what foods should be offered to infants and what foods should be avoided during early feeding. 

Parent/Caregiver knowledge of the appropriate ways to feed infants complimentary foods. 

Pressuring or cajoling the child to eat more at mealtimes

Parent/Caregivers acting as models of eating that children learn to emulate:

• Parent/caregivers who engage in healthy appropriate eating behaviours serve as positive models
• Parent/caregivers who engage in unhealthy eating behaviours serve as negative models

Infant feeding in which the parent/caregiver is aware of and responds in a timely and appropriate manner to infant cues and needs. 

Whether the child self-feeds (finger foods or spoon use) or is assisted in feeding by the parent/caregiver (spoon fed). This relates to all feeding occasions rather than just introduction of solids. 

The environment in which feeding takes place. This includes, but is not limited to, communication with the infant, sitting down to eat with the infant, and turning off the television during feeding

Availability and provision of healthy foods to infant

Relates to the different types of foodstuffs infants consume. This can include ever feeding, and/or the quantity of foods consumed, ranging from fruits and vegetables to sweet and savoury snacks. 

The size or amount of food provided to infants 

Whether the foods and beverages provided to infants are developmentally appropriate 

Infant consumption of commercial baby food; this includes pre-packaged, ready-made, or shop-bought foods. These foods can include cereals, fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, sweets and desserts. 

Infant consumption of food prepared by parent/caregiver. This can include the type of food prepared by parent/caregiver for infant. 

Infant consumption of a range of drinks other than breastmilk and infant formula. These include water, cow’s milk and alternatives, sugar sweetened beverages, herbal drinks, tea/coffee and warm drinks (other than tea or coffee) 

Perceptions of the infant’s liking of established or newly introduced foods 

Perceptions of the infant’s ability to regulate their intake based on their own fullness 

Including infant’s weight, and weight for age and length

The infant’s increase over time in weight

Proportion of fat, muscle, bone and water