Child feeding practices in Guatemala

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Abstract
Feeding practices for children under five years of age were identified in three villages in eastern Guatemala. Mothers’ beliefs and attitudes related to feeding children were studied. Sixty‐five children from impoverished socioeconomic circumstances were examined and 48% were found to be malnourished. Feeding practices differed between normal‐weight and malnourished children. Normal‐weight children received thicker food, 3–5 times a day, and mothers visualized feeding a specific amount. Malnourished children received thinner food, 2–3 times a day, and mothers did not visualize an amount needed. These factors varied with the mother's beliefs and attitudes rather than with household availability of foods. Breastfeeding, using thicker food during weaning, providing children with enough food and feeding them more often should be promoted in nutrition education programs in developing countries.