Researchers studied how well a program called INFANT reached families across Australia. The program offers a free smartphone app and in-person classes to help new parents learn about healthy eating and movement for their babies. By late 2024, the program had reached over 11,000 families through the app and offered classes in most areas of Victoria. The study found that while the program was very popular overall, it worked best for first-time parents and families living outside big cities. The researchers want to make sure the program reaches families who need it most, including those with fewer resources.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How many families used a health program called INFANT that teaches parents about feeding babies and staying active, and whether it reached all types of families fairly
  • Who participated: Over 11,000 parents and caregivers in Victoria, Australia who used the INFANT app or attended classes between 2021 and November 2024
  • Key finding: The app reached almost all areas (99%), but in-person classes were only available in about 6 out of 10 areas. More educated families and English speakers used the program more, but classes attracted more parents from lower-income neighborhoods
  • What it means for you: If you’re a new parent in Victoria, there’s a good chance you can access this free program through the app. However, the program is working to make sure it reaches all families equally, especially those who might need the most support

The Research Details

Researchers tracked how the INFANT program grew from 2021 to November 2024 across Victoria, Australia. They looked at records of how many people were trained to run the classes and surveyed parents who used the app to understand who was participating. They compared the families using INFANT to all families in Victoria to see if certain groups were using it more than others. They also used statistical tools to figure out which factors (like being a first-time parent or living in a certain area) made people more likely to join the classes.

When health programs are scaled up to serve entire regions, it’s important to check if they’re actually reaching everyone who needs them. Some families might be harder to reach than others, and this study helps identify those gaps so the program can improve. This is especially important for health programs because families with fewer resources often need the most support.

This study tracked real participation data from an actual program running across a whole state, which makes it very practical and relevant. The researchers used official records and surveys to measure participation, which is reliable. However, the study only looked at people who already chose to use the program, so it doesn’t tell us much about families who never heard about it or decided not to participate. The study is also specific to Victoria, Australia, so results might be different in other places.

What the Results Show

By November 2024, the INFANT program had impressive reach. The app was used in 78 out of 79 local government areas (99%), reaching 11,358 caregivers. However, in-person classes were only offered in 48 out of 78 areas (61%). Areas that trained more instructors had better program reach overall. First-time parents were more likely to join the classes, as were parents who were mixing breast milk with formula. Interestingly, parents living in lower-income neighborhoods and outside major cities were more likely to attend the classes when they were available.

The study found important differences in who used the program. Compared to all women of childbearing age in Victoria, INFANT participants were more likely to have a university education, speak English at home, and come from wealthier neighborhoods. This suggests that while the program is popular overall, it may be easier for educated, English-speaking families to access. However, when classes were offered in disadvantaged areas, more parents from those communities participated, suggesting that availability and location matter a lot.

This is described as the first study to look at how fairly an early childhood health program reaches different communities when it’s expanded across an entire region. Most previous research has looked at smaller programs or specific groups. This study is important because it shows what happens when a successful program tries to serve everyone in a large area.

The study only looked at families who actually used the program, so we don’t know why other families didn’t participate. It’s possible that some families never heard about INFANT, couldn’t access it due to language barriers, or had other reasons for not joining. The study was done in Victoria, Australia, so the results might be different in other countries or regions with different populations. The app survey had limited information about who responded, so we can’t be completely sure the app users represent all types of families. Finally, the study doesn’t tell us whether the program actually improved families’ health or nutrition habits—just whether they participated.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a new parent in Victoria, Australia, the INFANT program appears to be a helpful, free resource worth trying. The app is widely available, and classes are offered in many areas. The program seems especially beneficial for first-time parents and those mixing breast and formula feeding. However, if you’re in an area without classes, the app alone may still provide useful information. (Confidence: High for availability, Moderate for health benefits since this study didn’t measure outcomes)

New parents and caregivers in Victoria, Australia should know about this program. It’s especially useful for first-time parents and those learning about infant nutrition and movement. Health officials and program planners should care about these findings because they show where the program is working well and where it needs improvement to reach all families fairly. Parents in other countries may find the approach interesting but should look for similar programs in their own areas.

The study doesn’t measure how long it takes to see health benefits from using INFANT. Most parents would likely see value from the information and support immediately, but changes to actual feeding and movement habits might take weeks to months to develop.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly: number of feeding sessions, types of foods introduced, and daily movement/activity minutes for your baby. Compare these to INFANT recommendations to see progress over 4-week periods.
  • Start by downloading the INFANT app and completing one lesson per week. If classes are available in your area, attend at least one session to connect with other parents and get personalized guidance. Set one specific feeding or movement goal based on app recommendations and track it for two weeks.
  • Use the app’s tracking features monthly to monitor your baby’s feeding patterns and activity levels. Join the online community or attend periodic classes to stay motivated and learn from other parents’ experiences. Review your progress every 3 months and adjust goals based on your baby’s development.

This study describes how well a health program reached families in Victoria, Australia, but does not measure whether the program actually improved infant health or nutrition outcomes. The findings are specific to Victoria and may not apply to other regions. If you have concerns about your baby’s nutrition, feeding, or development, consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. The INFANT program is one resource among many available to new parents—discuss all options with your healthcare team.