Factors associated with caregivers' decisions about when to introduce meat to their infants and toddlers

The 1st Foods Study identified factors associated with caregivers' decisions about when to introduce meat, specifically beef, a food rich in iron and zinc, to their children. Caregivers of 6-24-month-old children across the U.S. completed a survey on dietary habits, attitudes, and complementary food introduction, with a focus on the timing of meat introduction and the factors that influenced it. On average, caregivers introduced meat at ∼9 months, later than other food groups. Those who had not introduced meat breastfed longer (Mean = 10.0 mo, SE = 0.5) than those who had (Mean = 8.6 mo, SE = 0.3, p = 0.026). Caregivers were divided into groups based on the timing of beef introduction: Early (4-6 months, n = 52), Majority (7-11 months, n = 151), and Late (≥12 months, n = 85). Analyses of variance and chi-square tests identified group differences, and a multinomial regression with backward elimination identified predictors of the timing of beef introduction. Relative to the Majority group, children who enjoyed food more (p = 0.002), were fussier eaters (p = 0.024), and had a caregiver who ate meat more frequently (p = 0.010) had a greater odds of being in the Early group. The odds of being in the Late group were greater for children with older caregivers (p = 0.001), who had a weaker overall attachment to meat (p = 0.012), chose food based on familiarity (p = 0.017), and used food as a reward when feeding their child (p = 0.041). Delaying meat and beef introduction raises questions about the nutritional adequacy of children's diets, especially for those who are breastfed. Understanding factors that predict caregivers' decisions about when to introduce meat can aid in developing strategies to ensure adequate nutrition for young children.