Infant feeding knowledge and practices among parents of infants aged 4-12 months in Poland: an online cross-sectional survey study

Abstract

IntroductionA better understanding of current infant feeding practices and factors influencing them may improve the implementation of infant feeding guidelines in the future.AimTo assess the confidence in knowledge and knowledge of selected infant feeding statements, and to assess selected infant feeding practices among parents of infants aged 4 to 12 months.Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Poland. Self-selected parents were recruited through the Internet. Data from 6934 responders, almost exclusively (99.2%) mothers, were analysed.Results and discussionAlmost 68.8% of mothers assessed their knowledge of infant complementary feeding practices as sufficient. In line with current recommendations, most mothers agreed that fruits are a good source of vitamins for infants (75.3%); and disagreed that fruit juices should be given to infants younger than age 1 year (61.1%); plant-based beverages are an appropriate alternative to breast-milk substitutes for infants (59.9%); potentially allergenic foods should be included into infant diet only after other complementary food had been introduced (68.4%), and, the introduction of other potentially allergenic foods should be delayed, if symptoms following the introduction of a new food occur (55.7%). However, some participants, albeit minority, reported the introduction of plant-based beverages (12.5%), cow’s milk (16.7%), and fruit juices to infants younger than 12 months (15.8%), thus, it was against the current recommendations.ConclusionsA discrepancy exists between the confidence in knowledge and knowledge of selected infant feeding statements and feeding practices among Polish mothers of infants aged 4 to 12 months.