An exploration of knowledge, attitudes and advice given by health professionals to parents in Ireland about the introduction of solid foods. A pilot study

A mixed-methods approach was used for the research, commencing with a multi-disciplinary focus group to guide and develop a questionnaire. Questionnaires were then distributed in a postal survey to General Practitioners (GPs) (n 179), Practice Nurses (PNs) (n 121), Public Health Nurses (PHNs) (n 107) and Community Dieticians (CDs) (n 8).The results indicate varying levels of knowledge of official weaning recommendations and a variety of advice practices. CDs and PHNs acknowledged a clear role in providing weaning advice while demonstrating high confidence levels in providing this advice. However, 19% of PNs and 7% of GP respondents did not acknowledge that they have a role in providing weaning advice to parents; even though Health Service Executive (HSE) written literature given to parents states that they should seek information from PNs and GPs.Small pockets of misinformation about the introduction of solid foods persist amongst health professionals which may lead to inconsistent advice for parents. Further research is needed.The first months of an infant's life are characterised by rapid growth and development, with a corresponding period of parental learning and upheaval. Much early parental anxiety and uncertainty concerns infant feeding, with new parents seeking advice from family and friends, from books and the media, as well as from the health professionals who have responsibility to provide evidence-based, best practice advice. There is much concern, confusion and controversy around the introduction of solid foods due to changing guidelines and evidence about the health implications of the type and timing of solid foods.Weaning is defined as the introduction of the first solid foods to infants. It is widely believed that there are significant health implications from the introduction of inappropriate solid foods to infants during weaning, including the risk of eczema, asthma, allergy and obesity. Prior to 2001 the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended