Mothers in the intervention group received dietary advice based on Brazilian guidelines ["Ten steps for the healthy eating: Feeding guidelines for Brazilian children from birth to two years" ] during monthly home visits from 2 weeks to 6 months postpartum and then every 2 months thereafter until 1 y postpartum.

Mothers in the control group received routine medical assistance without any involvement of the research team. The study staff provided no materials to mothers on the Control Arm.

Step 1 - Provide Exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 mo.

Step 2- After 6 mo, gradually introduce complementary foods and continue breastfeeding up to 2 y or more.

Step 3 - Complementary foods should be given 3 times a day (cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables) if the child is breastfed, and 5 times a day if not.

Step 4- Mealtimes must be adjusted to the children's cues of hunger and satiety.

Step 5: Foods should gradually get thicker up to the time when the child is able to eat a family meal. Complementary foods should not be liquefied.

Step 6: A large variety of healthy foods should be given daily to guarantee the intake of different nutrients.

Step 7: Different fruits and vegetables should be offered daily. Step 8: Sugar, sweets, soft drinks, salty snacks, cookies, and processed and fried foods must be avoided.

Step 9: Good hygiene practices in food preparation and handling.

Step 10: Adequate feeding during child illness.

Group difference in months of esclusive breastfeeding

Group differences in energy, fats, protein, carbohidrates and micronutrients intake

Group differences in energy, fats, protein, carbohidrates and micronutrients intake

Group differences in energy, fats, protein, carbohidrates and micronutrients intake

Group differences in energy, fats, protein, carbohidrates and micronutrients intake

Group differences in the % of children with each condition