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Infant and Young Child Feeding
Adequate nutrition during infancy
and early child development is fundamental to the development of each child’s
full human potential. It is well recognized that the period from birth to two
years of age is a critical window for the promotion of optimal growth, health
and behavioral development. Evidence has shown that this is also the peak age
for growth faltering, setting in of malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies
and development of common childhood illnesses; all in some way or the other
linked to appropriate infant and young child feeding practices. The immediate
consequences of poor nutrition during these formative years include
significant morbidity and mortality and delayed mental and motor development.
In the long term, early nutritional deficits are related to impairments in
intellectual performance, work capacity, reproductive outcomes and overall
health during adolescence and adulthood.
WHO recommends the following with
regard to infant and young child feeding:
 Initiate
breastfeeding with in an hour of birth.
Breastfeed
exclusively for the first six months of life.
Thereafter,
give nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods to all children.
Continue
breastfeeding for up to two years of age or beyond.
According to the recent National
Family Health Survey (2005-’06) data for infant and young child feeding
practices in India, 23.4% children under 1 year of age are breastfed with in
an hour of birth, 46.3% children age 0-5 months are exclusively breastfed and
only 55.8% children age 0-9 months are receiving solid/semi-solids and breast
milk.
Useful links
 Headquarters Website
Ministry of Women and Child Development Website
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