New research from National Weaning Week – which is taking place this week, from 4 to 10 May – has revealed a number of emerging trends and parents’ concerns when they are weaning their children. The biggest concerns are choking (72%) and allergic reactions (49%), with 40% worried about portion control and over a quarter anxious about confidence in their own ability or knowledge.
In association with Organix, National Weaning Week recently conducted a survey – via Your Baby Club, the UK’s fastest growing online community of new parents – to find out how UK families are navigating this key period of their baby’s development.
The research found that parents are conscious of giving their baby a healthy start in life but are confused about complementary feeding and often find themselves bombarded with conflicting information and despite NHS guidance that weaning should begin at six months, almost half of the 1,183 respondents began the process when their baby was between four and five months old.
“Some 70% of parents believe that nutrition from food is more important than from baby’s milk before they reach their first birthday, when in fact food should supplement milk until after 12 months,” said co-founder, Kerry Haynes. “This may explain why many healthcare professionals are switching to the term ‘complementary feeding’ to emphasise the importance of milk at this stage.”
The research also showed that parents are determined to ensure their little ones get the best start in life, with 66% always reading nutritional information and over half claiming that no added artificial colours and preservatives, no added salts and sugar and added vitamins are top of the list when it comes to nutritional elements. Nearly 90% of parents put their faith in brands, trusting that labels on packaging are correct.
Over half of the respondents also agreed pandemic lockdown is affecting their weaning choices, with a significant jump in internet research. Some 40% have used it as their preferred method, more than double any other option available to them (compared to 29% in 2019). This can be explained by not being able to see friends, family or health visitors, as well as feeling nervous about going into stores to shop (35%).
“This survey has shown there are still many concerns and fears around the current situation and parents feeling left alone while going through the weaning process,” commented Kerry. “We have been delighted with the response from experts, parents and brands this year. Throughout Weaning Week, we hope to create a network for parents to support them in weaning their children as nutritiously as possible, so little ones develop a good relationship with food which will lead to a healthier lifestyle later on. Most importantly we want it to be fun!”
This year, Weaning Week will bring extra online articles and tips, digital weaning workshops from top industry experts, new recipes, Instagram Live sessions and a Twitter Chat to parents when they need it most. Brands joining Organix in supporting the event include Itsy, Nuby, Messy Me, Doidy, Tidytot, mum&meAPP, Vital Baby and Bibetta.
