An evaluation of nutritional supplement habits of mothers and eating habits of children aged 0-6 years

Abstract

Objective: The breastfeeding and nutritional supplement habits adopted by mothers after childbirth are significant factors in securing the healthy growth and development of infants. Starting from the postpartum sixth month, additional foods that have the required nutrients should be introduced to the nutrition plan of the infant to ensure a healthy transition to an adult diet. Materials and Methods: This study examines the breastfeeding period of mothers, the postpartum month supplementary feeding was started, the eating behavior of the children, and the changes in the eating behaviors of the children according to the person in charge of feeding them. The study was conducted between the dates of March 2019 and May 2019 with 401 mothers of children who were in the age range of 0-6 years old. Results: Among the participants who started complementary feeding before postpartum six months, the average breastfeeding time was found to be 13.45±1.13 months, while among those who started complementary feeding at the postpartum sixth month, the average breastfeeding time was found to be 16.33±0.54 months. The vast majority of the participants (99 %) stated that they continued to breastfeed after the infant was six months of age. In terms of the complementary foods the mothers used, 49.6 % of the mothers started complementary feeding with yoghurt, 34.7 % with pureed vegetables, and 31.7 % with ready-to-feed formula. In examining the eating habits of the participants' children in terms of the person in charge of feeding them, when it was the mothers who were in charge, 64.3 % of the children ate their meals at the dinner table without any distractions, while 35.7 % ate their meals in company with a tv/ tablet or mobile phone. When it was immediate family or relatives in charge of feeding the children, it was found that 65.9 % ate their meals at the table without any distractions, and that 37.4 % ate their meals with a tv/ tablet or mobile phone. Conclusion: It was observed that the participants generally had high levels of awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, but that their complementary feeding and meal habits varied according to different factors affecting their behaviors. © 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.