Abstract
SummaryGrandparents are frequently relied upon to care for their preschool‐aged grandchildren. These early years are a crucial age in the development of dietary habits and preferences. This review aims to determine grandparental dietary provision, feeding practices and feeding styles when caring for their preschool‐aged grandchildren. Medline, PsycInfo and Web of Science were searched in January 2020. A systematic mixed methods approach was used to synthesize the qualitative (n = 13) and quantitative (n = 7) articles describing grandparents' feeding styles (n = 9), feeding practices (n = 14) and dietary provision (n = 18). Grandparents are serving large portion sizes and encouraging their grandchildren to eat frequently. Results are mixed for the types of foods provided; grandparents provide discretionary foods high in sugar and fat, and some also choose more expensive core foods as treats (e.g., berries). Grandparents engage in feeding practices that promote healthy eating (e.g., creating a healthy feeding environment) and promote autonomy and independence (e.g., considering their grandchild's preferences). However, they also use some coercive feeding practices (e.g., using food as a reward) and may be using indulgent feeding styles, which can be conducive to obesogenic dietary intakes. Interventions targeting grandparents could be an effective way to improve dietary‐related health outcomes in young children.
Highlights
Caregivers are often described as the nutritional gatekeepers for children, acting as agents through which children develop eating habits and preferences
In comparison with the number of studies exploring the role of parents in children's diets,[4,5,6] there is very limited research exploring grandparental feeding behaviours when caring for their young grandchildren
Medline, PsycInfo and Web of Science were searched in January 2020, and no limit on publication date was applied
Summary
Caregivers are often described as the nutritional gatekeepers for children, acting as agents through which children develop eating habits and preferences. Previous research has explored how parental behaviours impact upon children's eating, but grandparents, who are frequently called upon to provide childcare,[1,2,3] may play a pivotal feeding role. The early years are seen as a critical time for establishing healthy eating practices. This is because the food preferences and dietary behaviours formed during these years can track into later childhood and beyond.[7,8,9,10,11] In a longitudinal study of 342 children, food choice and food variety at age 2–3 years old were significantly associated
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