CHILD FEEDING: HEALTHY EATING HABITS FROM BREASTFEEDING TO THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPLEMENTARY FOODS

Abstract

Breastfeeding is essential for child growth and development, being recommended exclusively up to six months of age and supplemented up to two years or more. Proper food introduction plays an essential role in nutritional support, acceptance of new foods and the formation of healthy eating habits throughout life. This study aims to analyze the food consumption and nutritional status of children aged between 0 months and under 5 years, from 2021 to 2025. This is a quantitative study, with a longitudinal design, based on the analysis of epidemiological data obtained through the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. The results show a progressive improvement in child nutrition indicators between 2021 and 2025, with a significant increase in exclusive and continued breastfeeding, in addition to advances in food diversity and frequency in different age groups. There is an increase in the number of records and coverage of nutritional monitoring at national, state and municipal levels. Despite this, important challenges persist, such as the increase in consumption of ultra-processed foods and the presence of both deficit and excess weight among children. Furthermore, the absence and fluctuation of data in some periods, especially at the municipal level, still limits more precise analyzes of temporal evolution. The study shows an improvement in infant nutrition, with progress in breastfeeding. However, the consumption of ultra-processed foods and excess weight are still challenges, requiring actions to promote healthy eating.