Determinants of early infant weaning: a multivariate approach

Abstract

This research provides a multivariate analysis of factors associated with prolonged breast-feeding and conversely early infant weaning. Infant care practices associated with early infant weaning during the first four months of life were: early introduction to artificial milk, the infant sleeping in its own crib versus with its mother, and in general a more rigid feeding schedule. The weaned infant lived in a family with higher economic means, also maternal employment and the availability of a support person to care for the infant were variables more frequently found among infants weaned early. These infants had greater than average numbers of curative health care visits and gained less weight during the first four months of life than breast-fed infants. This study's findings suggest that as changes in life styles and cultural norms are molded by levels of modernization and urbanization, with greater participation of women in the workforce, the tendency to wean early may become even greater.