A new study published this week in the Journal of Biomed Central Public Health indicates that some Health Professional in Ireland may be giving incorrect advise to parents on the timing and on the types of foods to be used when weaning their infants onto solid foods.  It is widely believed that there are significant health implications from the untimely introduction of inappropriate solid foods to infants during weaning, including the risk of eczema, asthma, allergy and obesity. General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Public Health Nurses and Community Dieticians were interviewed as part of this study. The results indicate varying levels of knowledge of official weaning recommendations and a variety of advice practices amongst these professional groupings. Targeted training of health professionals working with young families is indicated.

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

Claire Allcutt, UCD School of Public Health and Population Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
Mary-Rose Sweeney, School of Nursing, Dublin City University, Dublin, Republic of Ireland

MRS: maryrose.sweeney@dcu.ie – corresponding author
CA: claireallcutt@ireland.com.