The rapid growth of commercially produced complementary foods reflects a broader global shift toward the commodification of infant and child feeding within the global food system. A recent scoping review has shown commercial squeeze pouches are a widely used feeding option for children both within the complementary feeding period and beyond(1), yet growing concerns exist about their nutritional quality and impact on feeding development. Another study among Australian children found that these products are commonly consumed and do not align with nutritional guidelines(2). However, limited evidence exists on how and why Australian parents use squeeze pouches with their children. The aim of this study was to explore parental experiences and motivations for providing commercial squeeze pouch products to infants and children in Australia. Data for this cross-sectional, online survey was collected between December 2023 and September 2024. Parents recruited through various convenience sampling methods were invited to complete the open-ended survey questions asking about the role of squeeze pouches in their child’s diet and their reasons or motivations for use. Responses were analysed qualitatively using reflective thematic analysis(3) to explore parental experiences, motivations, and perceived benefits and concerns surrounding the use of commercial squeeze pouch products. Five higher-order themes emerged: behaviour, dietary intake, feeding development, food environments, and environmental concerns. Parents frequently described squeeze pouches as a practical, mess-free solution to time pressures or when travelling, for example: “… for convenience, when travelling/haven’t made something.” Parents also reported the use of squeeze pouches to manage fussy or neurodivergent eating behaviours, describing them as “safe”, “predictable” foods. Another common theme was using these products as a treat to reward good behaviour, often when at the supermarket in replacement of other ‘treat’ foods, with one parent stating: “… we use fruit pouches instead of lollies”. However, many parents also expressed concerns about cost, packaging waste, and feeding skill development. The responses also reflected a broader societal paradox—where convenience and modern parenting demands often outweighed nutritional or environmental ideals. As one parent admitted: “They are an environmental disaster so we avoid them… except for the occasional yoghurt”, highlighting the gap between feeding values and the practical realities that shape parental decision-making. Despite some reservations, commercial squeeze pouches appear to be routinely used by Australian parents to navigate complex feeding challenges and household constraints shaped by broader social and commercial determinants of health. These parental insights demonstrate the need for clearer policy, regulatory and practice frameworks to protect children and caregivers from structural and commercial drivers supplanting best practice nutritional guidance when making food choices, as well as the need for better support for families such as accessible, evidence-based feeding guidance and public health programs and interventions.