Infants born to families with a history of atopy are more at risk of developing allergic diseases than those born to non-atopic families. Genetic influences, particularly maternal factors play a key role. We have investigated whether infants born to atopic and non-atopic mothers differ in terms of weaning, feeding and immunization practices, family pet ownership and exposure to smoking.

1061 women on the IOW (UK) who gave birth between September 2001-August 2002 were included. At recruitment women completed a questionnaire regarding their history of atopic disease. At 3 months (n=915) and 6 months (n=902) post delivery, feeding practices of infants were assessed via a standardized administered questionnaire.

There was no difference in a range of factors between the infants born to atopic (n=577) and non-atopic mothers (n=358), including exclusive breast feeding for at least 3 months (21% vs 22%), any breastfeeding up to 6 months (20% vs. 27%), weaning before 12-14 weeks (30% vs 25%), consumption of peanut products before 6 months (1.4% vs 1.3%), immunization status (91% vs 92%), cat ownership (31% vs. 30%). However, there were statistically significant differences in exposure to cigarette smoke (29% vs 21%) (p<0.010) and exposure to dogs (25% vs. 18%) (p=0.013).

Infants born from atopic and non-atopic mothers seem to be similar in terms of feeding, weaning and immunization practices as well as family cat ownership, but not dog ownership. However, in this population infants of atopic mothers were more likely to be exposed to cigarette smoke than those of non-atopic mothers.