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An Exploration of Complementary Feeding Practices, Information Needs and Sources

Author

Listed:
  • Ada L. Garcia

    (Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK)

  • Sarah Looby

    (Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK)

  • Kimberley McLean-Guthrie

    (Healthy Mummy Happy Baby, Lanarkshire Community Food and Health Partnership, Bargeddie G69 7TU, UK)

  • Alison Parrett

    (Human Nutrition, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ada L. Garcia & Sarah Looby & Kimberley McLean-Guthrie & Alison Parrett, 2019. "An Exploration of Complementary Feeding Practices, Information Needs and Sources," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:22:p:4311-:d:283999
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Louise Tully & Charlotte M. Wright & Deirdre McCormick & Ada L. Garcia, 2019. "Assessing the Potential for Integrating Routine Data Collection on Complementary Feeding to Child Health Visits: A Mixed-Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-11, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ada Lizbeth Garcia & Nicole Chee & Elisa Joan Vargas-Garcia & Alison Parrett, 2024. "Survey of Emotional Themes Used in Marketing of Commercial Baby Foods in the UK—Implications for Nutrition Promotion in Early Childhood," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-12, February.

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