Abstract
BackgroundComplementary feeding (CF) is an important determinant of infant growth and development. However, CF practices are influenced by caregivers’ perceptions and knowledge. This study aimed to describe perceptions and factors that potentially influence CF practices among Chinese mothers living in Xi’an, a rapidly developing city in China.MethodsThis focus group study included three discussion groups. Topics related to practices and concerns regarding CF were discussed among women with at least one child aged 4–36 months. A brief questionnaire was used to collect demographic information for mothers and their children.ResultsAmong study participants, the timing of starting CF for their children varied from age 4 to 8 months. Grain was ranked as the top food for CF, and homemade food was preferred to commercial CF products. Food additives and preservatives were the priority concerns when purchasing commercial baby food, particularly regarding uncertainty about their safety. In terms of nutrition, deficiencies in minerals and vitamins were of major concern. The issue of bio-availability of added nutrients in baby food was also raised during the discussions. Participants showed a strong reliance on information obtained from the Internet via computers or smartphones as their main source of CF knowledge, but felt this information lacked expertise.ConclusionsParticipating mothers from Xi’an prefer homemade food for CF to commercial products. More scientific knowledge of CF and related food safety issues should be available, perhaps via Internet-based approaches.
Highlights
Complementary feeding (CF) is an important determinant of infant growth and development
The Maternal Infant Nutrition Growth study conducted in eight cities across China reported urban infants aged over 6 months were characterized by high consumption of traditional grains, and around half did not consume any fruits or vegetables [14], which had been shown to be associated with stunt or anemia [2]
The time of starting CF varied from 4 to 8 months, with the majority (71.4%) having started CF when their children were aged 6 months (Table 2)
Summary
Complementary feeding (CF) is an important determinant of infant growth and development. For infants aged 6 months or older, breast milk alone may not meet nutritional and energy requirements for their rapid growth and development [2]. The diversity and amount of food products have exploded in China as a result of rapid urbanization and economic development during the last 30 years, along with increased information and misinformation regarding nutrition and health [11]. The Maternal Infant Nutrition Growth study conducted in eight cities across China reported urban infants aged over 6 months were characterized by high consumption of traditional grains (rice, noodles, millet, and steam bread), and around half did not consume any fruits or vegetables [14], which had been shown to be associated with stunt or anemia [2]. Similar situations have been observed in India [15]
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