Reyad Shaker Obaid

Summary Background The growth and development of infants during the first 1000 days of life are crucial for their health. Objectives This study aims to assess the impact of maternal characteristics and infant feeding patterns on infant growth from birth to 18 months. Methods Data were derived from the 2‐year perspective Mother Infant Study Cohort (MISC) study which included six visits from the third trimester of pregnancy until 18 months postpartum. A convenient sample of 256 pregnant women aged 19–40 years was recruited from Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman in the United Arab Emirates. Results Amongst mothers' characteristics, Arab nationality, pre‐pregnancy overweight/obesity, higher gestational weight gain and lower physical activity were found to increase the likelihood of infants being overweight at 6, 12 and 18 months. Exclusive breastfeeding was positively correlated with reduced odds of the infant being overweight at 18 months (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12–0.81). Breastfeeding for up to 6 months and the introduction of solid foods after 6 months was associated with reduced odds of the infant being overweight at 12 months old (aOR = 4, 95% CI: 1.1–14.6; aOR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.09–8.08, respectively). Conclusion The findings spotlight the influence of maternal characteristics and infant feeding on infant growth. This asserts the need for evidence‐based programmes targeting mothers to promote optimal feeding practices and foster healthy child growth.