The First Foods Qualitative Study: Using the Developmental Niche Framework to Understand Caregiver and Infant Feeding Interactions During the Complementary Feeding Period

Objectives: The transition to complementary feeding represents an important interval in child nutrition and development. Nutrient demands for growth are high, yet less is known regarding how caregivers make decisions regarding the introduction of solid foods to their infants and what influences their choices and feeding practices. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom with caregivers (N = 46, 83% mothers) of typically developing children (6–24 months of age) residing in the United States. A content analytic approach, with consensus coding performed by team members, was undertaken. The Developmental Niche framework guided thematic analysis. Results: Four major themes and four subthemes were identified: (1) Caregivers’ Approach Introducing Solid Foods with Anticipation and Concern, including subthemes of the (a) timing and order of complementary foods (CF) offered to children and (b) foods caregivers avoid offering; (2) Caregivers’ and Children’s Learning, including subthemes of (a) children’s rapid learning and skill development, and (b) the concurrent rapid demands for changes in food parenting; (3) Drivers of Caregivers’ Decisions Related to Offering Solid Foods to their Children; and (4) The Goal of CF: Integration of the Child into Family Mealtimes. Conclusions: Caregivers seek to provide adequate nutrition while balancing children’s health needs with the challenge of encouraging acceptance of family foods and respecting individual preferences. Juggling myriad demands (e.g., time, convenience, other family members, cultural traditions, and expectations), caregivers seek to help their children develop a healthy relationship with food.