Milk cereal drink increases BMI risk at 12 and 18 months, but formula does not

Aim Infant feeding affects growth, obesity and life‐long health. This study examined the impact of dietary patterns on body mass index (BMI) at 12 and 18 months. Methods We followed a cohort of 2666 children recruited in 2007–2008. Feeding practices were obtained from parental questionnaires and anthropometric data collected by child health nurses. Results At 6 months, 58.3% of the infant were breastfed, but only 1.6% exclusively. Many had begun eating solids (91.8%), porridge (87.7%) or milk cereal drink (46.6%). Bottle‐feeding at 4 months was not a risk factor for a high BMI (>1 SD) at 12 or 18 months. Milk cereal drink at six months increased the risk of a high BMI at 12 and 18 months, respectively (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.12–2.22, and 1.52, 1.07–2.17). Milk cereal drink use was increased by low parental education and maternal obesity and reduced by troubled sleep and parental group participation. Conclusion Formula at 4 months did not predict a high BMI at 12 or 18 months. Milk cereal drink use at 6 months was a risk factor for a high BMI at 12 and 18 months. The choice of milk cereal drink was influenced by parental factors, especially educational levels.