Recent trends in infant feeding patterns and weaning practices in Kuwait

Abstract

A multistage stratified sample of 782 mothers of infants under two years of age was taken to investigate infant feeding patterns and weaning practices. The rate of breast-feeding was 26.1% and that of bottle-feeding 41.9%. Breast-feeding was more common among late order children and those born to illiterate mothers. The mean duration of breast-feeding was 4.9 months and was longer among illiterate mothers. Infants were weaned because of insufficient mother's milk, mother's desire and infant refusal of the breast. The results indicate that there has been a sharp decline in breast-feeding. The reasons for this are discussed and measures to reverse the trend are recommended.