Evaluation of attitudes and approaches of mothers with 6-24 months old infants about infant nutrition and complementary foods

Objective This study was conducted to underline the importance of breastfeeding and complementary feeding period, to see the knowledge levels and attitudes of mothers in these processes and to address the problems experienced in this period for both mother and baby. Methods In this study, the data collection form prepared by the researcher and the Infant Feeding Attitude Scale were used. The study was conducted with 272 mothers aged 18 years and overwith infants aged 6-24 months who started complementary feeding. The mothers who participated in the study resided in various parts of Turkey, agreed to participate in the study through various social media accounts and shared their phone numbers. Results In the study, the time of giving water to the babies for the first time was compared with the educational status of the mothers, it was observed that 7.2% of the mothers who gave water after the 6th month of life had a high school degree or less, 69% had a bachelor's degree and 23.8% had a master's degree. It was found that cow's milk was not consumed by 67.2% of the infants, while yoghurt was consumed by 65% of the infants between 4-6 months as a complementary food. Honey was consumed by 7% of the infants before 12 months and 46.7% after 12 months. Egg white and egg yolk were consumed as complementary foods by 70% and 89.8% of the infants, respectively, at 12 months and before. It was observed that 91.6% of the mothers who participated in the study stated that their babies did not consume coffee, 69.3% tea and 86.1% instant fruit juice. It was found that the mean scores of the infant feeding attitude scale were lower in mothers of infants who were not employed, high school graduates, perceived their income as higher than their expenses, used formula while breastfeeding, and received breast milk alone for the first 1 month. Conclusion The results of our study show that mother's positive attitudes about infant feeding are reflected in their lives and have a positive effect on their infant's feeding. In the light of the relevant results, the attitudes and approaches of mothers with infants aged 6-24 months were revealed.