Zingani, Nosihle2025-10-082025-10-082024https://hdl.handle.net/10566/21039Background: Breastfeeding is a critical factor in reducing the risk of childhood acute illnesses, and lack thereof results in increased risk of morbidity and mortality. In South Africa, exclusive breastfeeding rate for the first six months is at 24%, with the majority of infants being fed through mixed feeding practices that include commercial infant cereals. Research done in the Eastern Cape indicates that more than 70% of these infants are given their milk formula feeds mixed with a commercial infant cereal. There are a number of harms associated with formula feeding, and in particular mixed feeding. Consequently, there is a need to improve infant feeding practices and reduce early introduction of cereals but, it is necessary to first understand why caretakers have adopted this feeding practice as well as what contributes to uptake of this practice in rural communities in the Eastern Cape. Study aim: To investigate what leads to the practice of mixing commercial milk formula with commercial infant cereal during preparation of milk feeds in Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape. Objectives: 1) To understand key role players’ perceptions and views on the practice of mixing commercial milk formula with commercial infant cereal, 2) to identify contributing factors to the practice of mixing commercial milk formula with commercial infant cereal and 3) to identify potential solutions to promote good infant feeding practices in the Elliotdale community.enCommercial milk formulaCommercial infant cerealComplimentary feedingMixed formula-cereal practiceThesis