Table 5 Most cited reasons why mothers/caregivers feed their children specific foods
Specific foods given to children | Reasons for feeding children with the food type | Percentage of mothers/caregivers |
|---|---|---|
Porridge | good for babies | 23 |
helps child to grow well and become big and strong | 29 | |
for baby’s health, keeps baby strong, gives energy and strength | 31 | |
just giving, its breakfast, easy to prepare and its cheap | 10 | |
Niknaks snacks | child enjoys or likes the food | 66 |
calming the baby and is readily available | 31 | |
Potatoes | good for children and they like the food | 51 |
for the child to get energy, be strong and grow well | 22 | |
its healthy food for children | 22 | |
Carrots | good for growth, health, strength and eyesight of a child | 85 |
just giving when available | 10 | |
Umphokoqo | child enjoys it | 35 |
for the child to grow and become big | 18 | |
to gain energy, strengthen the body and become strong | 35 | |
Milk | healthy food for growth | 59 |
good for the baby | 24 | |
gives child energy and strength | 18 | |
Butternut | just giving because it is good for babies | 21 |
for the growth of the child and it gives energy | 50 | |
healthy food | 21 | |
Vegetables | good for health and growth of children | 83 |
just giving if available | 7 | |
Purity | for growth and makes child strong | 36 |
its healthy | 27 | |
good for babies | 36 | |
Brown bread | good for the baby | 18 |
that is the food readily available and children likes it | 36 | |
for energy and strength of the body | 45 | |
Fruits | fruits are healthy and are good for growth of baby | 100 |
Noodles | good for the baby because it is soft and easy to eat | 33 |
healthy and growth of baby | 55 | |
child loves the food | 11 | |
Rice | child enjoys the food | 25 |
just giving and for the baby to eat | 26 | |
good for growth and the child will be strong | 50 |