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Original Research | Food and Nutrition | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 473 - 478 | India
Feeding Pattern of Infants and Young Children Under Two Years - An Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: First two years of life is very important for laying good foundation for future wellbeing. Also, this age group is more vulnerable to various health issues, which can be prevented with the help of proper diet of the individual. So, it is very essential to study the infant and young child feeding practices. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was performed in Harpur panchayat, Pusa block, Samastipur district, Bihar. A total of 268 dyads of mother and child aged six to twenty-four months were included in the study. A standard questionnaire was developed and employed for collection of data. The data was then processed and feeding practices including breastfeeding practices, food and water consumption pattern as well as food diversity pattern of infants and young children were studied. Results: Exclusive breastfeeding was seen among all (100 %) the infants and young children and did not have pre-lacteal food. Complementary feeding was initiated between six to nine months of age. All the children are continuing breastfeeding along with the complementary foods. But, their diet is mainly comprised of starchy foods. Only the diet of 50 per cent children includes pulses/nuts/legumes on daily basis while Only 16.42 per cent children are being provided meat and fish daily while 63.43 per cent children are not given meat and fish. Similarly, egg is consumed by 23.88 per cent children on weekly basis and 20.15 per cent on fortnightly basis whereas 55.97 per cent children do not consume eggs. Simply, the diet of less than half of total subjects contains the required minimum variety. Conclusions: All the infants were exclusively breastfed for the first six months. No pre-lacteal feed was given. Starchy foods like cereals and tubers are predominant in the diet of infants and young children. But, even half of the child population is not getting minimum diversity in their daily diet. Hence, it is recommended to enhance the diversity in the daily diet of children by incorporation of different food groups during preparation of food for children.
Keywords: Feeding Practices, Complementary Feeding, Breastfeeding, Infants and Young Children
How to Cite?: Aparna Sahu, Dr Usha Singh, BR Abha Ayushree, "Feeding Pattern of Infants and Young Children Under Two Years - An Observational Study", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 473-478, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26607173942, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26607173942