This abstract was awarded the student prize for best poster presentation.
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) guidelines advise commencing weaning around 26 weeks, but no earlier than 17 weeks or later than 26 weeks(1). The guidelines also state not to introduce cow's milk (CM) as the main milk drink (MMD) before 12 months of age. However, full-fat pasteurised CM may be used in small amounts when preparing weaning foods before 12 months. Previous Irish research highlights high rates of non-compliance with guidelines surrounding the timing of weaning(Reference Tarrant, Younger, Sheridan-Pereira, White and Kearney2),(Reference Bennett, O'Connor and Canning3). However, recent research is lacking. Furthermore, the introduction of CM before 12 months is under-researched. The objective of this study was to provide an updated synopsis of compliance with weaning guidelines set by the FSAI.(1)
Data were collected using a 15-item questionnaire. Parents of infants aged 0–15 months born healthy full-term were recruited via ‘Everymum.ie’, Irish family resource centres and Facebook parenting groups/pages. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS 28. Categorical variables were described as frequencies and percentages. Relationships between categorical variables were examined using contingency tables. Pearson Chi-Square tests were used to determine statistical significance (p value of <0.05).
Among 794 total participants, 73% were aged 30–39 years. Ninety-one percent were educated to tertiary level. Thirty-six percent exclusively breastfed until the commencement of weaning. Of those who had commenced or finished weaning (n = 562), 75% began weaning between 17–26 weeks. Six percent commenced weaning at ≤16 weeks. The remaining 19% began weaning at ≥27 weeks. Weaning at ≤16 weeks was associated with exclusive formula feeding from birth (p = 0.001), primary/secondary level education only (p = 0.022), and parent age of 19–29 and 35–39 years (p < 0.001). Exclusive breastfeeding from birth (p = 0.001) was associated with weaning at ≥27 weeks. Information on weaning was frequently sourced from healthcare professionals (30%, n = 381), online (29%, n = 363) and family/friends (23%, n = 294). Signs of readiness (44%, n = 406) and recommended age to commence weaning (36%, n = 329) were reported as the main reasons for commencing weaning. Of all parents (n = 792), 4% gave CM as a drink to their infant before 12 months of age. Of this, 48% (n = 15) introduced CM as the MMD, while 52% (n = 16) gave CM as an additional drink to the
MMD. Advice from a healthcare professional was most selected as the reason for introducing CM as a drink before 12 months (42%, n = 13).
A sizeable proportion of this sample were non-compliant with weaning guidelines. As HCPs were commonly used as a source of information, it is essential that they remain up-to-date on the latest guidelines through regular training. Further research into weaning practices in Ireland appears necessary to allow for a greater understanding of the situations in which parents shape their practices on when/how to wean their infant. Such research is vital to inform the development of effective interventions.
Acknowledgments
This research was funded by Danone-Nutricia.
