School of Health Sciences

Swiss infant feeding study (SWIFS)

Given the importance of infant nutrition, breastfeeding practices and eating habits of infants are evaluated every ten years to establish a foundation for promoting healthy nutrition in children.

Background

Nutrition is a crucial factor during the first years of life for healthy development and long-term health. Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for the health of both mother and child, including a reduced risk of respiratory diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Despite these well-known advantages, previous studies show that adherence to dietary recommendations varies. The introduction of complementary feeding is also an important aspect, as it influences the development of eating habits and can promote the child’s health in the long term. The recommended timing for introducing complementary foods aligns with the increased energy and nutrient needs of a growing child. Given the importance of infant nutrition, breastfeeding and dietary behaviors are studied every 10 years. The current study is part of this monitoring.

Objectives

Data is essential for effectively promoting healthy nutrition in children. The aim of the study commissioned by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) was to capture and understand current trends and developments in infant feeding practices by observing and understanding infant nutrition in Switzerland.

Method and procedure

A total of 1,269 mothers from the German, French and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland took part in the SWIFS study 2024. Data were collected via an online questionnaire covering the following topics: breastfeeding, the introduction of complementary foods, the health of mother and child and socio-demographic data on the parents.

For recruitment, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (SFSO) provided a representative sample of addresses. Mothers were invited by post to take part in the study and received reminder letters where necessary.

All data collected were anonymised, meaning that it is not possible to identify individual participants. The study code was used solely to track response rates. The study was also conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines.

Results

The SWIFS study from 2024 shows a high level of consistency between actual breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices and the current Swiss dietary recommendations.

Detailed results and recommendations for action can be found in the reports and media below.

Project organisation

Project lead

Project team

Funding

Project duration