An Exploration of Complementary Feeding Practices, Information Needs and Sources

Abstract

Following complementary feeding (CF) guidelines might be challenging for mothers lacking time, resources and/or information. We aimed to explore CF practices, information needs and channels used to obtain information in parents living in areas of socioeconomic deprivation. Sixty-four parents of infants aged 4–12 months completed a short questionnaire and 21 were interviewed. Mean (SD) weaning age was 5 ± 2.5 months, foods given >7 times/week included commercial baby foods (33%) and fruits (39%) while 86% gave formula daily. The main sources of CF information were friends and family (91%), the internet (89%) and health visitors (77%). Online forums (20%), e.g., Facebook and Netmums, were used to talk to other parents because they felt that “not enough” information was given to them by health professionals. Parents felt access to practical information was limited and identified weaning classes or online video tutorials could help meet their needs. Themes identified in qualitative findings were (1) weaning practices (i.e., concerns with child’s eating; and (2) information sources and needs (i.e., trust in the National Health Service (NHS) as a reliable source, need for practical advice). In conclusion, parents are accessing information from a number of non-evidence-based sources and they express the need for more practical advice.

Parental considerations during complementary feeding in higher income countries: a systematic review of qualitative evidence

“…The idea that infants were no longer satisfied by a milkonly diet was often cited by mothers and fathers as a compelling cue to give the baby's first solid foods (25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43)(44) . Signs that indicated hunger were crying, increased consumption of milk and disturbed sleep.…”

“…Signs that indicated hunger were crying, increased consumption of milk and disturbed sleep. In some cases, the feeling of obligation to attend to baby's hunger led parents to introduce solids earlier than indicated by their country's guidelines (25,29,(33)(34)(35)(36)43) . Seeing baby settle or sleep longer after providing food justified early complementary feeding.…”

Changes in the UK baby food market surveyed in 2013 and 2019: the rise of baby snacks and sweet/savoury foods

“…Although clinical evidence is not currently available, the health consequences of snacking for baby feeding skills, liquid/milk intake and continued exposure to sugars in the oral are likely have implications for healthy eating guidelines. 25 Further research on the prevalence and extent of these marketing strategies is required and there may be a need for tighter regulations on packaging to discourage the use of baby snacks.…”

Gambaran Karakteristik Ibu, Pengetahuan, dan Praktik Pemberian Makanan Pendamping Air Susu Ibu pada Bayi di Kota Pontianak

“…14 Rini Andriani dkk: Gambaran karakteristik ibu, pengetahuan, dan praktik pemberian mpasi pada bayi di kota Pontianak bertema mengenai tipe makanan yang akan diberikan (89%) dan dihindari (75%) serta informasi nutrisi (47%). 15 Kami menemukan bahwa sumber makronutrien utama yang diberikan oleh ibu sebagai MPASI pertama saat bayi berusia 6 bulan adalah dari golongan karbohidrat. Tidak semua ibu memberikan protein hewani saat awal pemberian MPASI kepada bayi di usia 6 bulan.…”