Inclusion or exclusion of children 6–7 mo of age did not change our findings. We adapted the DQIS to include children 6–7 mo of age and children 2–4 y of age.

In addition, data from a single 24-h recall were used to compute the DQIS scores in this study this describes dietary quality on a given day and does not capture the usual intake or usual DQIS. This allowed us to disaggregate foods into their subcomponents, which could have changed overall scores. The DQIS was developed using a semiquantitative FFQ and our modified DQIS was applied to data obtained using 24-h dietary recalls. ) and the DQIS may be more applicable than other measures that are available. Modified DQIS score varied by race/Hispanic origin, with children who are non-Hispanic black having significantly lower scores than children who are non-Hispanic white. Higher modified DQIS scores were reported among children who lived in households with higher education levels, higher household income levels, and higher PIR ( P < 0.0001 for trend). Overall decreases in the modified DQIS score were significant as age increased ( P < 0.02 for 6- to 11-mo-olds compared with 1-y-olds, 1-y-olds compared with 2- to 3-y-olds, and 2- to 3-y-olds compared with 4-y-olds P values not shown in the table). Mean modified DQIS scores on a given day decreased with age (27.7 for 6- to 11-mo-olds, 23.9 for 1-y-olds, 21.4 for 2- to 3-y-olds, and 20.6 for 4-y-olds P < 0.0001 for trend). Mean modified DQIS score on a given day for children 6 mo–4 y of age was 22.4 out of 45 possible points (50%). Table 2 presents the mean modified DQIS scores and macronutrient intakes on a given day for children 6 mo–4 y of age overall and by different sociodemographic characteristics. For all children, portion sizes and scoring criteria for 100% fruit juice were based on AAP recommendations (25) sugar-sweetened beverages and salty snacks were based on original DQIS criteria for 1-y-olds and were consistent with AAP recommendations (13, 27, 29). Scoring and portion sizes for milk were based on AAP recommendations (29). Portion sizes and scoring criteria for 2- to 4-y-olds were based on the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020 recommended intakes for a sedentary 2- to 4-y-old with an estimated calorie need of 1000–1200 calories/d for whole and refined grains, protein, vegetables, fruit, and added sugars (1). Added sugars were based on recommendations from the American Heart Association (28). Portion sizes and scoring criteria for children 6–11 mo of age and 1-y-olds were modified from the original DQIS and used updated guidelines and recommendations from the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program and the AAP for breast milk, infant formula, cow milk/other milks, whole and refined grains, protein, vegetables, and fruit (24, 26, 27).

Wic approved whole milk yogurt