Determinants of weaning age in rural Bangladesh

Weaning at an appropriate age with appropriate foods is vital for the growth and health of infants. Weaning beliefs and practices were studied in two representative rural villages in Bangladesh by interviews with 180 mothers with infants between 4 and 12 months of age. Maternal parity and family size were not found to be related to weaning age. Family income and maternal education were consistently related to appropriate weaning. Bivariate controlled analysis showed that a mismatch between mothers' responses and actual weaning behavior toward infants 4-6 months old could be attributed to family poverty.