Patronising mantras key to fighting childhood obesity, Australian research finds

Breast is best
No solids for me until six months
I eat a variety of fruit and vegetables everyday
Only water in my cup
I am part of an active family

Not smug baby T-Shirts from some Organic is Best online parenting shop, but the slightly patronising mantras taught to new mothers and children as part of an Australian health drive.

Teaching new mothers about healthy eating and active play can help reduce the risk of children becoming obese, the research published on the British Medical Journal website says.

The nurse led intervention took the form of eight home visits. One before the birth and seven afterwards at 1, 3, 5, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months, coinciding with developmental milestones.

Results of the programme found that the children taking part were more likely to eat one or more servings of vegetables per day and less likely to eat in front of the television.

Despite the messages, there was no difference seen in the amount of fruit and junk food consumption. Nor the amount of time the children spend playing outdoors.