Relationships between feeding problems and eating behaviours in children with and without Down syndrome

Feeding problems are more common in children with Down syndrome (DS) than typically developing (TD) children, but research is limited. This study investigated the prevalence of feeding problems and relationships with eating behaviours in children with and without DS. 39 caregivers of children with DS (M 30.9 months [SD=15.4]) and caregivers of 39 age- and sex-matched TD children (M 31.1 months [SD=15.7]) completed background information, the Montreal Children’s Hospital Feeding Scale (MCHFS), Baby Eating Behaviour Questionnaire and Children’s Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. Potential feeding problems (MCHFS ≥45) were identified in 12 children with DS and 1 TD child. T-tests revealed children with DS experienced more feeding problems and were introduced to solid food later than TD children. Partial correlations controlled for parent age and BMI. For children with DS, higher MCHFS scores were associated with receiving breast milk for shorter durations, smaller appetite, more food avoidant and fewer food approach behaviours. For TD children, higher MCHFS scores were associated with smaller appetite and more food avoidant behaviours. Future work should further investigate the mechanisms that underlie feeding problems in these groups.