Food beliefs and practices among Sri Lankans 2. Weaning practices among Sinhalese

A study of weaning practices among 271 Sinhala Buddhist women indicates that most mothers breast-feed their babies, in many cases for two years or more. Milk supplements are introduced early; only about 30% of mothers do not give any milk preparations during the first two years. Rice gruel is fed at an early age. Fish, meat and egg are witheld during the first year by most mothers, although a variety of foods are introduced.