Infant and young child feeding practices and its determinants in an urbanized village of Delhi

Introduction: Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are fundamental for the survival, health, growth, and development of children. It is important to study factors that determine these practices in a community. The present study is designed to assess the prevalence of optimal IYCF practices and its determinants in an urbanized village of Delhi. Materials and Methods: Mothers of children 0-23 months of age were interviewed using a structured and semi open-ended questionnaire to record information on IYCF practices. Results: A total of 194 children were included in the study. Breastfeeding (BF) was initiated within 1 h of birth in 49.5% of children. Early initiation of BF was significantly higher in children born in government institutions, normal births and in families with higher income. Prelacteal feeds were given by 47.4% of mothers, children born at home and private institution and caesarean births received prelacteal feeds more often. Colostrum was given by 79.4% of the mothers. Children born in the government institution were more likely to receive colostrum (P < 0.05). The prevalence of exclusive BF (EBF) for 6 months or more was 56.5%. It was higher in children of first birth order and institutional births (P < 0.05). Complementary feeding was started at 6 months in 54.6% of these children. Children of mothers with higher education and boys were more likely to be started on timely complementary feeding than girls. Conclusions: The IYCF practices in the area were not satisfactory, although better than the national average. Early initiation and EBF for 6 months were higher in children born in government institutions. Thus, awareness about IYCF practices has to be increased among the health personnel in the public and private sectors and mothers.