Caregivers’ Thoughts and Questions Related to the Complementary Feeding Period

Background

The period of transition from milk to complementary feeding (CF) is a time of rapid development and learning for young children and their parents. During this period, caregivers must make numerous decisions regarding what and how to feed their children. The Spoonfuls of Nutrition Study sought to understand caregiver approaches to and attitudes about CF.

Objective

The present study seeks to understand questions caregivers have regarding child feeding during the complementary feeding period.

Study Design, Settings, Participants

Caregivers (n=418) of 6-to-24-month-old children participated in a national survey (111 items) in June 2023. The survey asked about food parenting practices, promoting self-feeding, nutrition literacy, demographics and, relevant to the current analysis, included a short answer item asking participants to share their comments or questions about feeding infants and toddlers.

Measurable Outcome/Analysis

A content analysis of short-answer responses (n=146) was independently undertaken by 2 trained investigators to summarize participants’ top-of-mind thoughts and queries related to CF.

Results

Caregivers’ were mainly educated (43% college degree) mothers (64%; 39% White, 21% Black; children: 51.1% female; Mage± SD=15.4 ± 5.6 mo). Queries fell into 3 categories: (1) foods/diet (n=48); (2) caregivers’ beliefs, self-efficacy, and concerns (n=51); and (3) child development (n=17). Food/diet responses focused on which foods can help build a healthful diet, how much to feed, and about specific nutrients. Comments in the second category expressed confidence (or lack thereof) in feeding, beliefs, and worries about CF, typically regarding choking or food allergies. Responses from the third category expressed interest in learning more about their children's eating development and advice on picky eating, food refusal, and growth.

Conclusions

Caregivers expressed a desire for more information related to child development and appropriate foods for their children's health and safety during this period and for assistance with feeding challenges. Future nutrition education efforts could help caregivers navigate their knowledge gaps and concerns, focusing on increasing parents’ knowledge of not only what but how to best feed their infants.

Funding

Avocado Nutrition Center