Parental Beliefs and Practices Regarding Early Introduction of Solid Foods to Their Children

Abstract

This study was a cross-sectional survey of primary female caregivers during their child's 4-month well-child visit. Our objectives were to document current caregiver awareness of infant feeding guidelines, and calculate the frequency of and reasons for early introduction of solid foods. Questionnaires were completed for 102 children. Forty-five respondents (44%) introduced solids at less than 4 months of age. Hispanic caregivers, OR 0.2 (0.07-0.9), and those who breastfed (partial or exclusive), OR 0.4 (0.2-0.9), were less likely to introduce cereal at less than 4 months of age. Among caregivers who introduced solids at less than 4 months, 36 (80%) stated that the child was not satisfied with formula or breast milk alone and 24 (53%) stated that solids helped the child sleep better at night. Thirty-four caregivers (76%) who started solids at less than 4 months were aware of guidelines regarding proper infant feeding practices. Despite knowledge of infant feeding guidelines, female caregivers frequently introduce solids at less than 4 months of age. Early targeted anticipatory guidance is needed to address the most common reasons caregivers begin solid foods before the recommended age.

Prevalence and Reasons for Introducing Infants Early to Solid Foods: Variations by Milk Feeding Type

“…To better understand the potential implication of this sample restriction, we compared our analytic sample with the IFPS II population and observed that our analytic sample was more likely to be older, married, have a high level of educational attainment, higher income, and less likely to participate in WIC (data not shown). Because mothers of lower socioeconomic status are at a higher risk of early solid food introduction, 4,[13][14][15] it is reasonable to think that our sample may underestimate the prevalence of early solid food introduction.…”

“…[1][2][3] The early introduction of solid foods is of concern because, developmentally, younger infants (particularly those ,4 months of age) are not prepared for solid foods. 4 In addition, researchers have suggested that early introduction of solids may increase the risk of some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, eczema, and celiac disease. [5][6][7][8] The early introduction of solids also ends exclusive breastfeeding and has been associated with reduced duration of any breastfeeding.…”

Exploring Maternal Perceptions of Infant Sleep and Feeding Method Among Mothers in the United Kingdom: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

“…In both the UK and the US, many parents give night-waking as the reason they switched to formula (Douglas & Hill, 2013) and the idea that feeding the infant formula before bed will help the whole family to sleep better is widely accepted (Rosen, 2008). Mothers are advised by peers and family to introduce formula or solid foods to the infant diet in order to promote longer periods of nocturnal sleep (Clayton, Li, Perrine, & Scanlon, 2013;Crocetti, Dudas, & Krugman, 2004). This advice is at odds with WHO and National Health Service (NHS) recommendations to breastfeed exclusively to six months of 3 age (World Health Organization, 2001); although around one-third of women in the UK breastfeed to six months, only 1% do so exclusively (McAndrew et al, 2012).…”

Maternal Report of Advice Received for Infant Care

“…Medical and public health advocacy groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics have therefore issued guidelines and recommendations to promote evidence-based practices for immunization, 1,2 breastfeeding, 3,4 and safe sleep behaviors. 5 Although studies have revealed associations between recommendations and maternal infant care practice choices, [6][7][8] adherence to these practices remain below targeted goals. [9][10][11][12][13] Advice received by mothers from potentially influential sources such as medical professionals, family, and the media represents a potentially important modifiable factor that may influence mothers' choices about infant care practices.…”