Navigating Solid Food Introduction: A Qualitative Exploration of Caregivers' Beliefs, Readiness, and Influences on Infant Feeding Practices.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate beliefs and practices during solid food introduction (SFI) among a diverse sample of parents/caregivers using a qualitative approach. SFI aspects evaluated included timing, approach, beliefs, family/cultural influences, environmental factors, and interactions with their pediatrician.

METHODS

Semistructured interviews were conducted with parents of children between 7 and 13 months of age. Interview questions used the theory of planned behavior. Parents were recruited from academic, community, and private clinics in Chicago. Data were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach, incorporating both deductive and inductive coding. Two researchers independently coded all interviews, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion and consensus.

RESULTS

A total of 49 interviews were conducted. Participants were primarily mothers (92%). By race, 21 (43%) identified as White, 14 (29%) as Black, 4 (8%) as Asian, 1 (2%) as Native American, 7 (14%) as mixed race or other, and 2 (4%) as unknown. By ethnicity, 14 (29%) identified as Latino or Hispanic. Twenty-eight participants (57%) had Medicaid. Most parents introduced solids between 5 and 6 months of age, primarily following pediatrician advice. Several major themes emerged around SFI: (1) conflicting beliefs about timing and caregiver readiness, (2) fear of choking, (3) parental control over feeding, (4) desire for a good start, (5) siblings shaping feeding practices, (6) cultural and family influences, and (7) adjusted feeding practices based on circumstances.

CONCLUSIONS

Although numerous factors influence SFI, many caregivers relied on pediatric guidance as an anchor for decision-making. However, caregivers reported gaps in support and information, suggesting that more flexible, practical, and culturally responsive recommendations are needed to better align with families' diverse experiences and circumstances.