A national survey of infant feeding in Asian families: summary of findingsrelevant to oral health

In 1994 the Department of Health commissioned a survey of early feeding pra ctices within the Asian community. The survey conducted by the Office for N ational Statistics (ONS) was designed to assess from a nationally represent ative sample of infants from the Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani communit ies from across England their feeding practices from birth to 15 months. A small sample of White infants were also included in the sample although the y cannot be considered as nationally representative of the majority White p opulation in England. Data was collected from 2382 mothers in total. The su rvey was carried out between 1994 and 1996 and was published in 1997. This article will summarise the main findings relevant to oral health. These inc lude patterns of breastfeeding, use of bottles, care and advice on infant f eeding, weaning practices and drinks consumption. Implications for oral hea lth promotion are considered.