Evaluation of complementary feeding knowledge and behavior of mothers with children between four-twenty four months

Abstract

Aim: Complementary feeding is important for growth in infancy. In this study, we aimed to determine the knowledge of complementary feeding of mothers who take their children to our hospital and to evaluate the effects of mother’s and baby’s characteristics on complementary feeding. Material and Method: Between December 2018 and February 2019, 259 mothers who admitted to our hospital were included in the study. Mothers’ knowledge and behavior about complementary feeding were questioned. Results: The mean age of 259 mothers was 28.71 ± 5.09 years old. 94 (36.3%) of the participants introduced complementary feeding before six months. The mean time to introduce complementary feeding was 5.67 ± 0.84 months. Complementary feeding was introduced with 48.6% yoghurt, 17.8% fruit puree and 17% soup. The most frequent reason for early onset was the weight gain of the baby and the decrease in breast milk. A significant difference was found between the monthly income of the family, smoking and working of the mother, and early initiation of complementary feeding. The use of feeding bottles and/or pacifiers was also associated with early onset of complementary feeding. Conclusion: Mothers’ time to introduce complementary feeding varies. Mothers should be given more education about complementary feeding for healthy development of babies.