Feeding and Weaning Practices in Infants of Different Socio-Economic Classes

Abstract

Background: Infant feeding and weaning practices during the first year of life are critical determinants of long-term health, physical growth, and cognitive development. Although global guidelines advocate for exclusive breastfeeding for six months followed by timely, adequate, and safe complementary feeding, practices vary significantly across socio-economic strata. Understanding how socio-economic status (SES) influences these choices is vital for designing targeted public health interventions. Objective: To evaluate and compare the patterns of exclusive breastfeeding, timing and quality of complementary feeding (weaning), and hygiene practices among infants across different socio-economic classes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital over 6 months. A total of N = 300 mothers with infants aged 6 to 12 months were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Socio-economic status was categorized into Low, Middle, and High SES using a standardized asset-and-income index. Data regarding exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), age of weaning initiation, dietary diversity, and food hygiene were recorded via a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Chi-square (χ²) tests were applied to assess statistical significance (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Out of 300 mother-infant dyads (100 per SES class), the overall rate of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was 41.0% (n = 123). EBF rates were highest in the Low SES group (56.0%) compared to Middle (38.0%) and High SES (29.0%) groups (p = 0.001). Conversely, timely initiation of complementary feeding at 6 months was significantly higher in High SES (72.0%) and Middle SES (59.0%) families compared to Low SES families (31.0%, p < 0.001). Early introduction of solids (<6 months) was prevalent in Low SES (42.0%), whereas late introduction (>6 months) was common in Middle SES (27.0%). Commercial infant cereals and animal-source proteins were predominant in High SES, whereas home-made commercial tea-biscuit combinations and diluted animal milk predominated in Low SES. Conclusion: Socioeconomic status strongly influences infant feeding dynamics. While lower SES mothers show higher adherence to exclusive breastfeeding, they face significant barriers to timely, nutritionally adequate, and hygienic complementary feeding. Targeted nutritional education and subsidized weaning foods are essential to bridge these disparities.

Keywords: Infant Feeding, Weaning Practices, Complementary Feeding, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Socio-Economic Status, Malnutrition, Child Health