Iran Journal of Nursing

  Background and Aim: Rapid infant weight gain has been shown to predict later obesity risk however, it is unclear which factors influence infant diet and weight gain. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between body mass index before pregnancy and weaning the child to the end of the age 24- months.

  Material and Method: This is a correlational study in which 307 mothers of children aged 2-3 years were selected fro/ Tehran West Health Center. stratified sampling method was used and data were collected by questionnaire and mothers' and children's records.

  Results: There was not a statiustically significant relationship between the body mass index before pregnancy and weaning children at the age of six months. ANOVA statistical test (p=0.02 and p≤0.0001) indicated that there was a statistical significant relationship of the child weaning at the ages of 12 and 24 months with the body mass index before pregnancy. Also, t- test showed that there was a statistical significant relationship between the sex of the child and weaning at the ages of 6,12 and 24 months (p≤0.0001).

  Conclusion: There is definitely a significant relationship between body mass index and child weaning at the ages of 12 and 24 months. Maternal behaviors shape many aspects of children's development. As a result, it is necessary that obese and overweight mothers receive education and counseling to prevent obesity in their children.