Maternal Feeding Styles of Young Infants: Associations With Race and Feeding Mode

Abstract

ObjectivesFeeding styles, defined as parental attitudes and practices related to feeding, have been examined in early childhood in relation to risk of developing overweight/obesity. However, less is known about feeding styles in the first few months of life. The current study examined whether early feeding styles differ by feeding mode and race in a community sample of mothers/infant dyads participating in the Infant Growth and Development Study (iGrow). MethodsData was collected from 148 mother/infant dyads participating in iGROW. Maternal characteristics were assessed during the third trimester of pregnancy and feeding styles and feeding mode were assessed when infants were between 2–4 months. Scores across 5 feeding styles were estimated using the Infant Feeding Style Questionnaire (IFSQ): pressuring/controlling, restrictive, indulgent, responsive, and laissez-faire. Differences in feeding style by race and feeding mode were examined using analysis of variance, controlling for socioeconomic and demographic variables. ResultsMothers identified as non-Hispanic white (n = 73), black (n = 50), or multiracial/other (n = 25) and 46.6% reported exclusive breastfeeding. After controlling for covariates (maternal demographic and socioeconomic factors), indulgent feeding was significantly higher among black mothers compared to other mothers (F (1,126) = 2.98, p = .05, partial n2 = 1.44). Significant differences in restrictive feeding scores were identified by feeding mode (F (1,126) = 6.22, p = .01, partial n2 = 2.21), with exclusively breastfeeding mothers scoring lower than mothers who used formula/mixed feeding. ConclusionsDifferences in feeding styles are apparent in the first months of life. Future research is needed to understand factors that contribute to the development of early feeding styles. Funding SourcesEunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development.