Recent trends in infant feeding patterns and weaning practice in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate recent trends in infant feeding pattern and weaning practices. A multistage stratified sample of 782 mothers of infants aged less than 2 years was taken. Each mother was privately interviewed to collect data on infant feeding pattern and weaning practices. The results showed a sharp decline in the rate of breast-feeding [26.1%] and a higher prevalence of bottle feeding [41.9%]. Breast-feeding was more common among late order children and those born to illiterate mothers. The results also showed that the mean duration of breast-feeding was 4.9 months and was longer among illiterate mothers. Infants were weaned because of insufficient milk, mother desire and infant refusal of breast. Infant formula [36.3%] and home made foods [28.6%] were usually used during the weaning period. However, 22.9% of the mothers introduced the infant directly to family foods