Infant Diet and Parental Support in Nes: A Municipal–University Collaboration

Background: Early nutrition and feeding development are crucial for establishing lifelong health and well-being. In Nes municipality, where several public health indicators fall below the national average, strengthening early preventive services has been identified as a strategic priority. This collaborative research project between OsloMet and Nes municipality examines how group-based guidance offered at the child health clinic for parents of infants aged 10 months supports the development of healthy eating habits.
Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with parents (n=15) approximately 1 month after they participated in the 10-month group. The interviews explored parents’ perceptions of the usefulness of the information provided, how it was applied in daily life, and what challenges they encountered when implementing healthy feeding practices. The data are being analysed using thematic analysis, supported by NVivo, and the analysis is still ongoing.
Results: Preliminary findings indicate that parents highly value the group sessions and the information received. First-time parents in particular expressed uncertainty about appropriate portion sizes, how to introduce different foods, and how to ensure that their child receives “enough but not too much” food. The large amount of often conflicting information available in social and traditional media was described as contributing to doubt and confusion. In contrast, the guidance provided at the child health clinic was viewed as trustworthy, practical, and easy to integrate into everyday routines. Several parents highlighted a desire for similar group-based support earlier in the child’s first year, especially during the transition to solid foods.
Conclusions: This project offers important insights into how parents can best be supported during early feeding transitions and how health services can promote healthy eating behaviours in infancy. The findings will contribute to strengthening and tailoring the child health clinic’s interdisciplinary, group-based nutritional guidance and support Nes municipality’s broader goals of reducing social health disparities and promoting well-being among children and families.