| INFANT

Understanding the reach of an evidence-based public health intervention to optimise nutrition and movement behaviour at scale:  The INFANT Program

Reaching families equitably in early childhood health is no easy task. Our latest study shows the INFANT Program has scaled statewide, reaching over 11,000 caregivers and nearly all Victorian LGAs. But gaps remain - families in disadvantaged areas, culturally diverse communities, and fathers are less likely to engage. True impact means moving beyond scale to embed equity through tailored delivery, cultural adaptations, and inclusive strategies.

NewsNov 27, 2025

INFANT endorsed by the US National Cancer Institute as a recommended evidence-based program

Recognized as an evidence-based program, INFANT is the only NCI-endorsed initiative starting from birth. With 15+ years of research, it helps parents foster healthy habits early, reinforcing its role as a global model for early-life health interventions.

NewsMay 3, 2024

Infant formula or cow’s milk? Perspective on the WHO recommendations for Australian parents

New WHO infant feeding guidelines conflict with Australian advice, sparking confusion. Experts warn against switching to cow’s milk before 12 months due to risks like iron deficiency and obesity.

NewsApr 16, 2024

New in-language resources to encourage healthy lifestyle habits early in life

New in-language resources from the INFANT program are now available to support healthy eating and active play from birth for culturally and linguistically diverse families in Melbourne’s west. Developed by the Western Public Health Unit and Deakin University’s IPAN, the materials are available in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Mandarin, and Vietnamese.

NewsFeb 28, 2024

A USA review identified INFANT as the strongest international model for wide-spread implementation of a community complementary feeding intervention

The INFANT program was recognized by a CDC-funded review as the strongest global model for community-wide implementation of complementary feeding interventions in early childhood.

NewsNov 16, 2023

INFANT’s Award Success: Deakin Faculty of Health Partnerships in Practice

The INFANT program was honoured with two Deakin University Faculty of Health awards for its impactful partnerships and evidence-based approach to promoting healthy eating and active play in early childhood.

NewsAug 18, 2023

Western Public Health Unit (WPHU) focusing on health equity

WPHU is partnering with Deakin University to culturally adapt and implement the evidence-based INFANT program, supporting healthier starts for children in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

NewsMar 10, 2023

A nutritious and active start to life: Evaluation of the INFANT intervention – The policy practice cycle

On February 21, 2022, Professor Kylie Hesketh presented a 50-minute seminar highlighting the enduring benefits of the evidence-based INFANT program - from birth to five years - emphasizing the value of randomized controlled trials for early intervention to policy, practice, and research audiences.

NewsApr 28, 2022

INFANT supports the Victorian Government’s five-year action plan ‘Healthy kids, healthy futures’

INFANT has been named a priority action in the Victorian Government’s five-year plan, recognising its vital role in supporting early childhood health through healthy eating and active play.

NewsDec 16, 2021

Download the My Baby Now app today!

Developed by experts at Deakin University and the University of Sydney, the My Baby Now app provides trustworthy, up-to-date advice on feeding and active play to support parents of babies under 18 months.

NewsSep 27, 2021

The My Baby Now app – free for parents and caregivers

The My Baby Now app offers parents of babies under 18 months reliable, expert-developed information on feeding and active play, helping cut through the confusion of conflicting advice. Designed to complement INFANT group sessions, the app reinforces key messages and supports healthy early development.

NewsSep 27, 2021

INFANT implementation success across Victorian LGAs

The INFANT program continues to expand across Victoria, with health professionals completing training and tailoring implementation to suit their local communities. Case studies from four LGAs showcase how collaboration, communication, and community support are driving early childhood health outcomes.

NewsSep 21, 2021

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