Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess understanding of the weaning guidelines in a cross-sectional sample of UK parents and to investigate how this knowledge, together with other factors, may influence weaning timing. An on-line survey was carried out among 3607 UK parents, recruited from UK parenting web-sites. The survey consisted of twenty-one questions covering understanding of the guidelines, sources of weaning advice, ante-natal care and feeding choices. Ninty-nine percent of respondents were mothers. Sixty-two percentage understood the guidelines to be to introduce solid foods about 6 months, 24 % at 6 months (from 26 weeks), 7 % 4‐6 months, 6 % ‘when your baby showed signs of being ready’ and 1 % were not aware of any guidelines. Knowledge of the guidelines was associated with later weaning (independently of demographic factors) (P < 0.001) but did not ensure compliance as 80 % (n 1220) of mothers who weaned before 24 weeks and 65 % (n 250) who weaned before 17 weeks were aware of the guidelines. At least 70 % across all demographic groups accurately understood the guidelines, however younger mothers (P < 0.001), those receiving benefits (P < 0.001), those only educated to sixteen (P < 0.001) and ethnic minority groups (P < 0.001) were less likely to be aware of the guidelines. ANOVA modelling recognised that those who finished formal education at sixteen, weaned later when they were aware of the guidelines (P = 0.017). Poor understanding of the current weaning guidelines was the most reliable predictor of weaning inappropriately early (before 17 weeks) (P = 0.021, OR 2.52 (1.15‐5.52)) together with young maternal age (P = 0.014, OR 0.96 (0.93‐0.99)). Other factors associated with earlier weaning included low educational attainment*, being a single parent**, weaning in response to the baby waking at night* or not being satisfied by milk* and being most influenced by advice from friends and family** or previous experience*. Later weaning was associated with being influenced by advice from health visitors** and the internet*, attending ante-natal classes**, exclusive breastfeeding 0‐8 weeks* and being a first-time mother**. Following the baby-led weaning approach was the most reliable predictor of those weaning 26 weeks*. (*P < 0.001, ** P < 0.05). The complexity of factors associated with weaning timing was apparent from our analysis. Despite this, accurate knowledge of the recommendation to wean about 6 months is associated with later weaning, particularly among first-time mothers and may compensate for a tendency to wean early among those of lower educational attainment. The popularity of baby-led weaning was highlighted and merits further investigation given the lack of current research on this method of weaning.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.