Infant Weaning Methods: An Intergenerational View from Igbo-Ora Nigeria

Abstract

This study documents and compares the methods by which mothers and grandmothers feed children under 2 years of age in a southwest Nigerian town and the factors which influence their choice of weaning methods. The study was exploratory in design and stratified sampling was done to select respondents from all six wards of the town studied. Two hundred and forty mothers with children under 2 years of age and 246 grandmothers were interviewed. Data analysis was done using EPI INFO Software. Mothers were more likely to have used feeding bottles than grandmothers, while the reverse was true for hand- or forced-feeding. Although most women had used cups and spoons to feed their children, this was more common among current mothers. Over three-quarters of mothers said there were dangers associated with forced-feeding. Grandmothers perceived more social support and encouragement to practice hand-feeding than mothers, while the opposite was true for bottle-feeding. Both groups felt equally encouraged to use cups and spoons. In conclusion, child feeding methods in Igbo-Ora town of Oyo State may be changing with succeeding generations. Forced-feeding appears to be less popular among mothers, and grandmothers are using cups and spoons with feeding bottles. The current generation of mothers in Igbo-Ora would benefit from health education to reinforce safe ways of feeding their children.