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Are Maternal Feeding Practices and Mealtime Emotions Associated with Toddlers’ Food Neophobia? A Follow-Up to the DIT-Coombe Hospital Birth Cohort in Ireland

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  • Meijing An

    (Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Qianling Zhou

    (Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China)

  • Katherine M. Younger

    (School of Biological Sciences, Technological University Dublin, Kevin Street Dublin 8, D08 X622 Dublin, Ireland)

  • Xiyao Liu

    (Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China)

  • John M. Kearney

    (School of Biological Sciences, Technological University Dublin, Kevin Street Dublin 8, D08 X622 Dublin, Ireland)

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the associations between maternal feeding practices, mealtime emotions, as well as maternal food neophobia and toddlers’ food neophobia in Ireland. A follow-up to the Technological University Dublin (DIT)-Coombe Hospital birth cohort was conducted. Mothers in the original cohort were invited to the present study by telephone calls. Postal questionnaires with stamped addressed envelopes were distributed to those who agreed to participate in the study. Toddler food neophobia was assessed by the modified version of the Child Food Neophobia Scale (CFNS). There were 205 participants included in this study, with a median score of child food neophobia of 12. A higher degree of child food neophobia (score > 12) was positively associated with the maternal practice of coaxing the children to eat at refusal (OR (Odds Ratio) = 2.279, 95% CI: 1.048–4.955), unpleasant emotions at mealtime (e.g., stressful or hectic for mothers, or tearful for children) (OR ranged between 1.618 and 1.952), and mothers’ own degree of food neophobia (OR = 1.036, 95% CI: 1.001–1.072). Mothers who were not worried when confronted with child’s food refusal was negatively associated with toddlers’ food neophobia (OR = 0.251, 95% CI: 0.114–0.556). This study suggests the maternal practices of responsive feeding, being calm and patient with the toddlers, and creating a positive atmosphere at mealtime.

Suggested Citation

  • Meijing An & Qianling Zhou & Katherine M. Younger & Xiyao Liu & John M. Kearney, 2020. "Are Maternal Feeding Practices and Mealtime Emotions Associated with Toddlers’ Food Neophobia? A Follow-Up to the DIT-Coombe Hospital Birth Cohort in Ireland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:22:p:8401-:d:444376
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hebah Alawi Kutbi, 2020. "The Relationships between Maternal Feeding Practices and Food Neophobia and Picky Eating," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-11, May.
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