A qualitative exploration of Australian parental perspectives of commercial squeeze pouches for infants and children

Foods in commercial squeeze pouches are a widely used feeding option for children, yet growing concerns exist about their nutritional quality and impacts on feeding development. There is limited evidence on how and why parents use these products, leaving critical gaps in understanding how to design policy and food environments that support positive nutrition choices. This study aimed to explore Australian parents’ experiences and motivations for providing commercial squeeze pouches to infants and children. An online survey was distributed nationally to parents, containing an open-ended question inviting them to describe the role of squeeze pouches in their child’s diet and their reasons for use. Responses were inductively thematically analysed to understand motivations, perceptions, experiences, and feeding contexts. A total of 179 parents, mainly mothers (78.1%), participated, revealing five intersecting themes: societal and behavioural drivers, feeding supplement strategies, feeding confidence and nutritional perceptions, commercial food environment, and environmental impact considerations that influenced their use of squeeze pouches when feeding their child. Within the themes, parents frequently described how squeeze pouches are a practical solution to managing time pressures, fussy or neurodivergent eating behaviours, and feeding during illness or travel. However, many also expressed concerns about cost, packaging waste, and feeding skill development. Overall, a broader societal paradox emerged where convenience and modern parenting demands often outweighed nutritional or environmental ideals. The complex insights provided by parents demonstrate the need for policy and practice responses that address structural and commercial drivers of food choice, while supporting families with accessible, evidence-based feeding guidance.