J Korean Diet Assoc.  2008 Nov;14(4):325-336.

The Influence of Weaning Practices on the Eating Habits of Preschool Children

• Lee SY
• Jeong HS
• Joo N

Abstract

The principal objective of this study was to determine how weaning by mothers of preschool children between the ages of five and seven years influences the children's eating habits and food preferences. The results of this study will help to educate mothers about good weaning practices and facilitate the development of weaning programs by providing basic data on the subject. The results demonstrated significantly positive correlations between children's scores on eating habits and the level of vigorous weaning practices, the consistency of their practice, and the child's reaction to the foods provided (p<0.001). A positive correlation was noted between the frequency of providing solid food and the preference toward the food, with the exception of boiled rice and brightly colored vegetables. Thus, the results of this survey showed that the frequency and variety of solid foods that mothers try to actively provide their young children affect their food preferences and eating habits in general. These conclusions suggest that mothers should be educated about the significance of proper weaning so that their children can develop appropriate eating habits, and that there should be nutritional education for mothers, regarding the best weaning practices.

Keyword

weaning practice; eating habit; preschool children; preference; nutrition education

MeSH Terms

Child
Child, Preschool
Eating
Food Preferences
Humans
Mothers
Vegetables
Weaning