Parents’ and whānau perspectives on complementary feeding in Aotearoa New Zealand
This study aims to understand how parents and whānau experience starting solids with their babies, including feeding choices, practices, and sources of support.
What's involved?
Taking part involves one discussion about your experience of starting solids with your baby.
- Join a small focus group (around 4–6 participants), or take part in a one-to-one discussion.
- Discussions take up to one hour.
- Take part online or in person (Auckland), depending on what works best for you.
- Talk about feeding decisions, food choices, and where you get information and support.
You will receive a $50 supermarket or general store voucher as a thank you for your time. Mileage costs may also be reimbursed where appropriate.
Eligibility criteria
To participate, you must:
- be a parent, caregiver, or whānau member of a baby aged 0–24 months
- be aged 16 years or older
- be able to read and understand English well enough to take part in a
discussion - live in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Your baby may already be eating solids or not yet have started – both experiences are welcome.
Contact details
For more information about this study or to take part, please see the documents below or contact:
Dr Amy Lovell
Lead Investigator
Email: a.lovell@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: 021 0205 9300
Dr Jeanette Rapson
Researcher / study contact
Email: jeanette.rapson@auckland.ac.nz
Phone: 021 077 3419
Further information
This study has been reviewed and approved by the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee on 6 March 2026 for three years. Reference: AH30915.