Perceptions, Knowledge, and Routines of Parents regarding Food Introduction Methods and their Relationship with Speech

This study analyses the eating routines and habits of Portuguese children aged 4 to 18 months, methods food introduction most frequently used, parents’ perceptions regarding importance for speech development. A sample 297 parents filled out an online self-report questionnaire about their perceptions, knowledge, methods, relationship with showed high reliability (α=0.86). The majority mothers that survey answered either they breastfed or them in combination bottle feeding. They also stated introduce new form soups purees vary flavors, textures, consistencies frequently. Although results a reasonable level knowledge traditional Baby Led Weaning (BLW) there was higher frequency use method this when compared BLW. There not significant correlation between age perception feeding speech. In turn, education greater awareness relevance development Parents number less