Researchers at a Saudi Arabian institution studied nearly 400 mothers with children aged 6 to 23 months—a critical window when what babies eat shapes their brain development, immunity, and long-term health. They measured three things: mothers' nutritional knowledge, their attitudes towards feeding, and their actual feeding practices, then tracked how well the children grew.
The study found a clear link: mothers who understood nutrition better had children with healthier weight and length measurements for their age. This connection was direct and measurable.
Most babies ate variety, but meal timing had gaps
Good news first: 82% of children were eating a good variety of foods across different food groups. However, only about half were being fed the recommended number of times per day. Most mothers (over 70%) were getting feeding advice from digital media like apps and websites, suggesting online resources now heavily influence how parents feed young children.
Knowledge makes a real difference in your child's growth
The research shows that understanding the fundamentals of nutrition—which foods support growth and how often babies need to eat—genuinely affects how well children develop. This isn't about complex rules or perfection. For Singapore families balancing work and childcare, having accurate information about what to feed children aged 6–23 months can make a tangible difference to your child's growth. The study also reminds us that feeding happens within real life: your own health, work schedules, and family support all play a role in what actually happens at mealtimes.
Steps based on this study's findings
- Confirm meal frequency with your paediatrician: aim for 2–3 feeds daily at 6–9 months, increasing to 3–4 feeds by 12–23 months.
- Offer foods from different groups each day: grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and dairy to ensure nutritional diversity.
- Use digital resources selectively; ask your child's doctor which apps or websites give reliable feeding guidance.