FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE AGE OF INTRODUCTION OF SOLIDS INTO THE DIET OF NEW-ZEALAND INFANTS

Objective: To describe the current timing of the introduction of solids in infancy and the factors influencing the decision to introduce solids. Methodology: Eighteen hundred infants were selected randomly as part of the New Zealand Cot Death Study. Of these, 88% of the parent/caregivers were interviewed when their infant was aged between 1 and 12 months. They were asked when solids were first introduced into the diet. Results: By 12 weeks of age more than 20% of infants had been given solids; by 16 weeks and by 6 months 50 and 90% of babies, respectively, had been given solids. Maternal smoking, low educational achievement and not being breast-fed exclusively to 4 weeks of age were factors which were strongly associated with the early introduction of solids. Conclusion: Half of New Zealand infants are being started on solids earlier than is presently recommended. More education is needed to promote the later introduction of solid foods into the diet.