Both exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding are essential for a child’s growth and development. Despite the WHO recommendations on breastfeeding and complementary feeding, various reasons are given by mothers regarding why they stopped breastfeeding early and hence they started introducing solid foods early. This qualitative study aims to explore the reasons why mothers start complementary feeding earlier than 6 months and describe the factors that affect or influence these feeding practices. The sample consisted of mothers with infants less than 6 months who started early complementary feeding. Purposive sampling was used. A total of twenty-three (23) respondents were included in the study. Five themes were identified from the thematic analysis: (1) perceived benefits to the infant, (2) influences to infant feeding practices, (3) infant’s readiness, (4) complementary food preparation and (5) insufficient breast milk. Despite the knowledge of WHO recommendations, these findings suggest that there are various factors that mothers take into consideration. Health care providers and local health organizations should consider these factors when planning their interventions or educating the people.
Keyword: Early complementary feeding among mothers |