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Methodology insights and population characteristics of the Nutri-Bébé 2022 study: study design, sample description, and data collection

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background/objectives: Regular assessment of dietary patterns and nutrient intake during early life is essential for establishing appropriate recommendations to promote healthy eating behaviors in children. The objective of the Nutri-Bébé 2022 study was to update these data in a nationally representative sample of infants and young children (0-3 years) living in mainland France, and to investigate potential associations between socio-economic factors and feeding practices. This article describes the study methodology and the population sample. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study selected a random sample using the quota sampling method. After recruitment and informed consent, parents participated in an initial face-to-face interview. In the following days they completed an online food consumption questionnaire over three non-consecutive days, including a weekend day, followed by a questionnaire on eating behavior. To ensure representativeness the sample was calibrated and weighted. The total sample comprised 1,224 children divided into 11 age groups: an initial sample of 880 parent-child dyads plus an oversampling of some child subgroups to assess their nutritional intakes. Results: Detailed characteristics of parents, households and children, including anthropometric data and socio-economic status are described. Among mothers, 5% were under 25 years of age and 39.7% were over 34 years of age, 85.6% were living as a couple and 52.1% had a non-tertiary level of education. Of the included children, 50.1% were boys, 59.4% had siblings and 160 were breastfed. Breastfeeding prevalence was 35.2% up to 3 months, 13.7% at 6 months and 10.4% at one year. In the total sample, 947 children consumed complementary foods, with a mean age of introduction of 5.46 ± 2.04 months. Conclusion: The data obtained from a representative sample using a valid methodology should allow for future detailed analysis of dietary patterns and macro- and micronutrient intake. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05649527.

Source: Frontiers in Nutrition

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1784566

Authors: Jean-Pierre Chouraqui, Sandra Brancato, Florent Vieux, Floriane Poulain