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Infant and young child feeding in developing countries

Mandana Arabi1, Edward A Frongillo, Rasmi Avula

  • 1United Nations Children's Fund.

Child Development
|January 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Optimal infant and young child feeding practices vary significantly worldwide. Even in high Human Development Index (HDI) countries, exclusive breastfeeding and timely complementary feeding rates remain suboptimal, highlighting a global need for improved support.

Area of Science:

  • Child Health and Nutrition
  • Global Public Health
  • Pediatric Nutrition

Background:

  • Infant and young child feeding practices are critical for child growth and development.
  • Suboptimal feeding practices are prevalent globally, impacting child health outcomes.
  • Existing data show significant international variations in adherence to recommended feeding guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe 7 key infant and young child feeding practices across 28 countries.
  • To analyze variations in feeding practices based on country-level indicators, including Human Development Index (HDI).
  • To identify areas for intervention to promote optimal feeding practices.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized infant and young child feeding indicators and complementary feeding guidelines.
  • Descriptive analysis of feeding practices in 28 diverse countries.
  • Comparison of feeding practices between countries with varying Human Development Index (HDI) levels.

Main Results:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding rates were low (25% for 0-5 months).
  • Complementary food introduction was insufficient (only half of 6-8 month-olds received them).
  • Median breastfeeding duration and fluid intake during diarrhea were low in high-HDI countries.

Conclusions:

  • High Human Development Index (HDI) does not guarantee optimal infant and young child feeding practices.
  • There is a universal need to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding and complementary feeding.
  • Improved adherence to feeding recommendations, especially during illness, is crucial globally.

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