Peer reviewed / Manuscript (original) submitted: 18 March 2024; revision accepted: 6 August 2025
A pilot study
Introduction
Assessing the diets of infants and toddlers is particularly challenging because their food intake varies greatly and can usually be reliably recorded only when they are under parental care [1]. In their review, Foster and Adamson emphasize the need to develop precise and easy-to-use dietary assessment methods for this age group [2]. In particular, the burden on participants should be kept as low as possible to prevent study dropouts. Within this context, as part of the CARE study (Childhood Allergy, Nutrition, and Environment), which investigates the relationship between diet, environmental factors, and allergies in infants and children, an existing dietary assessment method was adapted and evaluated for its practicality.
This short paper examines the subjective assessments of caregivers regarding the effort required, comprehensibility, and accuracy of the method used. In addition, key challenges are addressed and practical solutions are discussed. …
Abstract
As part of a bachelor’s thesis, the 24-hour multiple-pass recall method was adapted to the specific requirements of dietary surveys among infants and toddlers and tested in a pilot study. The method proved to be user-friendly, but time-consuming.
