A qualitative study of mothers’ perceptions of weaning and the use of commercial infant food in the United Kingdom

Tara Dean, K Maslin, A.D. Galvin, L. Shepherd, A. Dewey, Carina Venter

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Abstract

Background: Commercially produced infant food has a different taste profile and nutritional content to homemade baby food and its consumption is now very widespread. This change in early food experience may lead to a reduced dietary variety and a decreased microbial load exposure.Objective: The purpose of this study was to gain insight into parental perceptions of complementary feeding, specifically opinions of commercially produced baby food, using qualitative research methods. Methods: Four focus group discussions took place (n = 24), with mothers of infants aged 4-7 months. Half of participants were first time mothers and a third had experience weaning infants with symptoms of cows' milk allergy. Participants were prompted with questions about complementary feeding and shown several different products to stimulate discussion. Results: Thematic analysis of focus groups indicated that three distinctive groups of mothers exist
Original languageEnglish
JournalMaternal and Paediatric Nutrition Journal
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Dec 2015

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