INFANT

About INFANT

Developed by IPAN researchers over more than 15 years, the INFANT program is shaping healthier lives for thousands of Australian children and their families.

The early-life nutrition and movement intervention is now being scaled up, supporting more families with healthy eating, active play and reduced screen time from the start of their baby’s life.

Strong policy endorsement has led to widespread implementation of INFANT. The majority of local government areas in Victoria have adopted INFANT, and it’s being piloted in other jurisdictions. It is also widely recommended by state, national and international agencies:

• State – INFANT is a priority for the Victorian Government as part of its ‘Healthy Kids Healthy Futures’ plan. In 2024, the Victorian Health Minister launched new INFANT resources translated into six community languages.
• National – The Australian Government’s Commonwealth Community for Children’s funding for disadvantaged communities has recommended INFANT as an evidence-based program since 2020.
• International – The US National Cancer Institute recommended INFANT as an evidence-based program in 2024, rating it highly for research integrity and dissemination capability. It is the only program in its database of 207 recommended healthy lifestyle programs that starts from birth. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also endorsed INFANT as “the strongest model for translating findings from a Randomized Control Trial to widespread community implementation” in their 2023 review of complementary feeding interventions.

How INFANT works:

Mums, dads and carers have free access to INFANT through existing local early years services, with four group sessions led by a trained professional. There is also a free mobile app, which reinforces and expands on content from the group sessions.

So far, INFANT has:

• Reached more than 15,000 parents and carers;
• Been implemented by the majority of Victorian local governments;
• Provided training to hundreds of early years professionals to deliver INFANT and integrate INFANT messaging in their standard practice;
• Been shown to have positive health effects for children at age 2, sustained at 3.5 and 5 years with increased fruit, vegetable and water intake, reduced screen time and 1.7 serve reduction in discretionary foods per week;
• Significantly improved practice among the Maternal and Child Health Nurses trained to administer the program. ‘Before and after’ training surveys showed nurses who were trained more frequently discussed active play, reduced screen time, and family meals with parents during routine consultations; and
• Been shown to reduce the need for families to seek health advice. An IPAN-led study found that parents using the app were less likely to see a GP or paediatrician for advice on infant feeding or growth compared to parents receiving ‘usual care’.

On the ground – how INFANT makes a difference

“INFANT helps families make healthier choices, supports children’s well-being, and strengthens community connections. It has been effective in creating positive change.

Parents often share that INFANT boosts their confidence in feeding and play, helps them connect with other parents, and guides them to useful services. One family, for example, said they now enjoy regular active play and meal planning together, making life healthier and less stressful.”

Carmel Pritchard – Team Leader Enhanced Maternal and Child Health, Brimbank City Council

“There has been strong positive feedback by Maternal and Child Health Nurses about the INFANT program as an additional option of support they can offer families … It has enabled more opportunities for social connection among parents and with Maternal and Child Health Nurses.”

Ju-Lin Lee, Paediatric Dietitian and Coordinator – Dietetics, Diabetes Education and Community Nursing, Your Community Health, Preston, Victoria

INFANT has been implemented in Victoria with the support of a NHMRC Partnership Grant 2019-2025 (APP1161223) in collaboration with nine practice and policy partners. This includes funding for implementation from the Victorian Government Department of Health.

Learn more about INFANT or INFANT training for health and early years professionals