Table 2.

Reasons mothers buy foods specifically for their young children.

Reasons for buying specific foods for child	Illustrative quotations
Child likes the food item	“Freezes [popsicles], Kamba puffs [processed maize snacks], Lays potato chips, and sweets… We buy them because he enjoys eating them.” Mother in urban area during rainy season (ID 31)
Mother wants the child to feel loved and be happy	“She is the only child. I do buy her yoghurt, Kamba, juice, and sometimes Sobo [locally-produced fizzy drink]. I do buy them because she loves them and as a mother, I want my child to look healthy and feel loved. I do buy [them] regularly.” Mother in urban area during dry season (ID 35)
Mother considers the food to be healthy and wants the child to be healthy	“I [bought] maheu, milk, Kamba, and eggs…I buy them for the child to eat while he is young, for him to grow healthy.” Mother in rural area during dry season (ID 212)
As a snack to keep the child from getting hungry	“I bought fruits. This is so that they have food between meals to avoid going hungry.” Mother in rural area during dry season (ID 84)
To appease a misbehaving or crying child	“I buy Sobo… I also buy yoggie, Enjoy [fizzy drink], and Kamba puffs. I buy these foods so that I can be giving her when she is troubling [me]. I buy almost every day.” Mother in urban area during rainy season (ID 60)