According to Gram Research analysis, only 56% of Nigerian mothers practice good infant feeding for babies aged 6-23 months, despite 91% having positive attitudes about nutrition. A study of 503 mothers found that those receiving hands-on nutrition training through the ANRiN program fed their babies significantly better than untrained mothers, scoring 6.95 versus 6.34 on feeding practice measures. However, poverty and food shortages remain major barriers preventing mothers from applying their knowledge.
A Gram Research analysis of 503 mothers in Nigeria found that while most mothers have positive attitudes about feeding babies ages 6-23 months, only about half actually follow good feeding practices. The study compared mothers who received nutrition training through the ANRiN project with those who didn’t. Mothers who received training fed their babies better, but poverty and cultural beliefs still got in the way. The research shows that teaching mothers alone isn’t enough, they also need practical help and support to overcome real-world challenges like food shortages.
Key Statistics
A cross-sectional study of 503 Nigerian mothers in 2026 found that only 21% had adequate knowledge about infant feeding, yet 91% held positive attitudes about feeding babies aged 6-23 months well.
Mothers who participated in the ANRiN nutrition training program demonstrated significantly better feeding practices than non-beneficiaries, with mean practice scores of 6.95 compared to 6.34, according to research involving 503 mothers in Plateau State, Nigeria.
Among 503 Nigerian mothers studied in 2026, 56% actually practiced good infant feeding methods for children aged 6-23 months, revealing a substantial gap between positive attitudes and real-world feeding behaviors.
A 2026 mixed-methods study of 503 Nigerian mothers found that maternal tertiary education was significantly associated with adequate knowledge about infant feeding in both nutrition program beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How well mothers in Nigeria feed babies between 6 and 23 months old, and whether a nutrition training program called ANRiN helped them do it better.
- Who participated: 503 mothers with babies aged 6-23 months in Plateau State, Nigeria. Some had received nutrition training through the ANRiN program, others had not.
- Key finding: Only 21% of mothers had good knowledge about feeding babies, but 91% had positive attitudes. About 56% actually practiced good feeding. Mothers who got ANRiN training fed their babies significantly better than those without training.
- What it means for you: If you’re a mother in Nigeria or a similar setting, nutrition training helps, but it works best when combined with real support like food access and community encouragement. Knowledge alone doesn’t guarantee good feeding practices.
The Research Details
Researchers used a mixed-methods approach, meaning they collected both numbers and stories. They gave 503 mothers questionnaires to answer questions about their knowledge, attitudes, and actual feeding practices. They also held 8 group discussions and 12 one-on-one interviews with mothers and community leaders to understand the real barriers they face. This combination of surveys and conversations gives a fuller picture than numbers alone. The researchers compared mothers who had participated in the ANRiN nutrition program with mothers who hadn’t, to see if the training made a difference. They looked at which factors, like education level or family income, predicted whether mothers would feed their babies well.
This research approach is important because it doesn’t just measure what mothers know or do, it also explains why. Numbers show that training helps, but conversations reveal the real obstacles like poverty and cultural traditions. This helps program designers create solutions that actually work in real life, not just in theory.
The study included a large sample of 503 mothers, which makes the findings more reliable. The researchers used both quantitative methods (statistical tests) and qualitative methods (interviews and discussions), which strengthens confidence in the results. However, this was a snapshot in time at one location in Nigeria, so results may not apply everywhere. The study compared two groups but didn’t randomly assign mothers to training or no training, so we can’t be completely certain the training caused the improvements.
What the Results Show
The study revealed a striking gap between what mothers know and what they actually do. Only 21% of mothers had adequate knowledge about proper infant feeding, yet 91% held positive attitudes about feeding their babies well. When it came to actual practice, 56% of mothers fed their babies using good feeding practices. Mothers who participated in the ANRiN training program had significantly better feeding practices than those without training, with trained mothers scoring an average of 6.95 out of a possible score compared to 6.34 for untrained mothers. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in knowledge scores between the two groups, suggesting that training improved practical skills more than theoretical knowledge. Maternal education level mattered most for knowledge, with mothers who had completed tertiary education significantly more likely to have adequate knowledge in both trained and untrained groups.
The research identified several key predictors of good feeding practices that differed between trained and untrained mothers. For trained mothers, household income and access to food were strong predictors of whether they could actually implement good feeding practices. For untrained mothers, maternal education and family size predicted outcomes. The qualitative interviews revealed that mothers often knew what they should do but couldn’t do it because of poverty, food shortages, and cultural beliefs about which foods were appropriate for babies. Hands-on demonstrations where mothers saw and practiced preparing proper foods for babies proved more effective than classroom-style teaching.
This research fits with global findings showing that Nigeria faces serious child malnutrition challenges, ranking second worldwide in stunted children. The knowledge-practice gap identified here matches patterns seen in other developing countries, where education alone doesn’t solve feeding problems when families lack food security. The finding that practical training works better than knowledge transfer aligns with recent nutrition intervention research worldwide.
The study was conducted in only one state in Nigeria, so findings may not apply to other regions with different cultures or resources. Because researchers didn’t randomly assign mothers to training or no training, we can’t be completely certain that the ANRiN program caused the improvements, though the evidence strongly suggests it did. The study captured only a moment in time, so we don’t know if improvements lasted long-term. The researchers didn’t measure whether babies actually grew better or had better health outcomes, only whether mothers followed recommended practices.
The Bottom Line
Nutrition programs in Nigeria should combine knowledge training with practical support. Teaching mothers how to prepare nutritious foods works better when paired with help accessing those foods and community support. Programs should also address cultural beliefs that may prevent mothers from feeding babies certain foods. For mothers with limited resources, programs should focus on affordable, locally available foods rather than expensive options. Confidence level: High for the value of combined training and support, moderate for specific food recommendations without knowing local availability.
Mothers and caregivers of babies aged 6-23 months in Nigeria and similar settings should pay attention to this research. Public health officials and nutrition program designers should use these findings to improve how they design and deliver nutrition education. International organizations working on child nutrition in developing countries should consider these results. Mothers in wealthier countries with good food access may find some lessons useful but face different barriers.
Mothers who receive hands-on training and practical support may see changes in their feeding practices within weeks to a few months. However, sustained improvement requires ongoing support and access to adequate food. Long-term benefits for child growth and health typically take 6 to 12 months to become measurable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do mothers in Nigeria know how to feed babies well but don’t do it?
Research shows poverty and food shortages are the main barriers. A study of 503 mothers found 91% had positive attitudes but only 56% practiced good feeding. Mothers often lack access to the nutritious foods they know babies need, making knowledge alone insufficient without food security support.
Does nutrition training help mothers feed babies better?
Yes, significantly. Mothers who received hands-on ANRiN training fed babies better than untrained mothers, scoring 6.95 versus 6.34 on feeding practices. Practical demonstrations proved more effective than classroom teaching for improving actual feeding behaviors.
What’s the best way to teach mothers about infant nutrition?
Hands-on food demonstrations work better than lectures. A 2026 study of 503 Nigerian mothers found that showing mothers how to prepare nutritious foods practically improved their skills more than knowledge transfer alone, especially when combined with addressing food access barriers.
Does a mother’s education level affect how well she feeds her baby?
Education matters for knowledge but not always for practice. Mothers with tertiary education had significantly better knowledge about infant feeding. However, even educated mothers struggled to feed babies well when facing poverty and food shortages.
What age babies does this research apply to?
This study focused on babies aged 6 to 23 months, the critical period when babies transition from breast milk to solid foods. Findings about feeding practices and barriers apply specifically to this age group in Nigeria.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily what foods you feed your baby aged 6-23 months, noting whether each meal includes a protein source, a vegetable or fruit, and a grain or starchy food. Rate each day as 1 to 5 based on how many meals met these criteria.
- Use the app to access simple video demonstrations of preparing affordable, nutritious meals for babies using foods available in your local market. Set weekly reminders to try one new food combination with your baby.
- Review your feeding practice scores weekly in the app. Share your progress with other mothers in your community through the app’s discussion feature. Track your baby’s growth measurements monthly and note any improvements in energy level or health.
This research describes feeding practices in Nigeria and should not replace personalized medical advice from your pediatrician or local health worker. Feeding recommendations may differ based on your baby’s individual health, allergies, and local food availability. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your baby’s diet. This study was observational and cannot prove that nutrition training alone causes better outcomes, only that it is associated with better practices. Results from Nigeria may not apply to other countries or regions with different resources and cultural practices.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.