The Father's Role in Complementary Feeding During Infancy in Turkey
Beril Aydın1, Mustafa Agah Tekindal2, Elif Nursel Özmert3
1Department of Pediatrics, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|October 6, 2025
Summary
Engaging fathers in infant complementary feeding training significantly reduces behavioral feeding problems. This intervention improves parental feeding attitudes and behaviors, leading to better infant feeding outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Nutrition
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Behavioral feeding problems are common in infants.
- Parental involvement, particularly fathers', is crucial for successful complementary feeding.
- Limited research exists on the impact of fathers' participation in feeding interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of fathers' active participation in complementary feeding on infant behavioral feeding problems.
- To assess changes in parental feeding attitudes and behaviors.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a targeted intervention for fathers.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial comparing an intervention group (fathers trained in complementary feeding) with a control group (mothers trained).
- Training focused on national complementary feeding guidelines.
- Behavioral feeding problems were assessed using the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale.
Main Results:
- Fathers' engagement in infant feeding increased significantly in the intervention group.
- Behavioral feeding problems decreased from 79.5% to 44.7% (9 months) and 65% to 18.8% (12 months) in the intervention group, versus the control.
- Lower scores on the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale indicated fewer feeding problems in the intervention group.
Conclusions:
- Training fathers in complementary feeding positively influences parental feeding behaviors and attitudes.
- Increased father participation in feeding is associated with a significant reduction in infant behavioral feeding problems.
- This intervention offers a promising strategy for preventing and managing early feeding difficulties.
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