An Exploration of Complementary Feeding Practices, Information Needs and Sources

Ada L. Garcia,Kimberley McLean-Guthrie,Alison Parrett,Sarah Looby

doi:10.3390/ijerph16224311

Ada L. Garcia, Kimberley McLean-Guthrie + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224311

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Abstract

Following complementary feeding (CF) guidelines might be challenging for mothers lacking time, resources and/or information. We aimed to explore CF practices, information needs and channels used to obtain information in parents living in areas of socioeconomic deprivation. Sixty-four parents of infants aged 4–12 months completed a short questionnaire and 21 were interviewed. Mean (SD) weaning age was 5 ± 2.5 months, foods given >7 times/week included commercial baby foods (33%) and fruits (39%) while 86% gave formula daily. The main sources of CF information were friends and family (91%), the internet (89%) and health visitors (77%). Online forums (20%), e.g., Facebook and Netmums, were used to talk to other parents because they felt that “not enough” information was given to them by health professionals. Parents felt access to practical information was limited and identified weaning classes or online video tutorials could help meet their needs. Themes identified in qualitative findings were (1) weaning practices (i.e., concerns with child’s eating; and (2) information sources and needs (i.e., trust in the National Health Service (NHS) as a reliable source, need for practical advice). In conclusion, parents are accessing information from a number of non-evidence-based sources and they express the need for more practical advice.

Highlights

The introduction of solid foods is an important milestone during the first year of development.Often referred to as complementary feeding (CF) or weaning, the giving of food in addition to breast milk usually occurs at around six months of age; as breastmilk is no longer sufficient to meet the infant’s nutritional needs
In the UK, there is high awareness of the recommendation that babies should not be given solid foods before 6 months of age, but there is little understanding of why or how to follow recommendations; in particular aspects related to development of the infant’s digestive system [2], the newer evidence on risk of allergies [3] or the importance of development of food preferences and establishment of healthy eating habits. This coupled with confused messages from professional bodies [4] and an influx of information on baby food labels which do not follow World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations on the age of baby food introduction [5] represent a challenge for parents/carers and health professionals
This study aimed to investigate current weaning practices and information needs of parents living in areas of social deprivation in the West of Scotland

Summary

Introduction

The introduction of solid foods is an important milestone during the first year of development.Often referred to as complementary feeding (CF) or weaning, the giving of food in addition to breast milk usually occurs at around six months of age; as breastmilk is no longer sufficient to meet the infant’s nutritional needs. In the UK, there is high awareness of the recommendation that babies should not be given solid foods before 6 months of age, but there is little understanding of why or how to follow recommendations; in particular aspects related to development of the infant’s digestive system [2], the newer evidence on risk of allergies [3] or the importance of development of food preferences and establishment of healthy eating habits This coupled with confused messages from professional bodies [4] and an influx of information on baby food labels which do not follow WHO recommendations on the age of baby food introduction [5] represent a challenge for parents/carers and health professionals

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