Weaning practices in a sample of working class primiparae.

The weaning practices of a sample of 65 working class mothers are described. In the majority of cases solid food was introduced relatively early, usually as a problem-solving device. The practice of early weaning gave rise to a great deal of conflict between the mothers and their professional advisers and frequently resulted in serious contamination of the professional-client relationship. Current professional policy and practice in relation to weaning are questioned and certain recommendations discussed. Although there is disagreement among health professionals over the precise stage at which weaning should take place, most agree that infants should not be introduced to solid food under the age of 3-4 months. This view received official endorsement from the Department of Health and Social Security in 1974 and 1980 (Department of Health and Social Security 1974, 1980). Despite this, it would appear that a great many babies are put on solids much earlier than recommended (Shukla et al. 1972, Taitz 1972, Martin & Monk 1982). This paper describes the introduction of solid food in a sample of working class families with particular reference to the factors involved in early weaning.