Author/Authors :
Batal, M. University of Ottawa - Faculty of Health Sciences - Nutrition Program, Canada , Boulghourjian, C. American University of Beirut - Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Lebanon , Akik, C. American University of Beirut - Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Lebanon
Abstract :
This first, large-scale study on complementary feeding in Lebanon analysed the timing and types of food introduced to infants according to mothers’ demographic and socioeconomic and infants’ characteristics. A cross-sectional survey over 10 months found that the majority of infants were introduced to solid foods at or after 4 months of age. A large number of infants were given liquids other than breast or formula milk earlier. Women in employment outside the home were almost twice as likely to introduce solid foods before age 4 months. The most common starting food was cereals. More than half the children consumed starchy foods and fruits every day, but not meats and fish.
