Determinants of Early Weaning of Infants Below Six Months

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is important for the prevention of childhood infections and optimum growth. Despite universal recommendations that infants be exclusively breastfed from birth to six months of age, there is poor adherence among nursing mothers in developing countries. According to Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2011-2012, 32% of children under the age of six months are exclusively breastfed improving from only 13% in 2003. As a result, substantial levels of child malnutrition and poor child health and survival have been documented. In addition, a sizable number of nursing mothers commence complementary feeding prematurely indicating poor adherence. Intervention and further research should pay attention to factors such as cultural practices, assess to and utilization of health care facilities, child feeding education and family planning.