RESUMEN
To explore the factors underlying the practice of bottle-feeding among mothers with children less than two years old in Ahmadi region, Kuwait in the year 2001. A descriptive study was carried out in Ahmadi governorate. Data was collected from 361 mothers whose babies were less than two years old and bottle fed. The interviewed mothers were selected from labor rooms and the post-natal ward in Adan hospital and from preventive health centers in Ahmadi governorate. The rate of bottle-feeding practices in Ahmadi region was found to be high among Kuwaiti mothers and those with high family income. The rate of bottle-feeding practice increases among mothers with infants older than four months due to early weaning. The main reasons for bottle-feeding practice were insufficient breast milk, the need to go back to work and using contraceptive pills. Also pediatricians [child health doctor] were found to be the main persons prescribing infant formula for mothers. The rate of bottle-feeding practice in Ahmadi region increases among Kuwaiti mothers who have high family income and who reported that they have insufficient milk. Health education programs to promote breast-feeding are necessary for mothers and health care providers