Abstract

"Background: The sheer rise in malnutrition in children during the first two years of life is indicative of poor feeding practices.
Objectives: To study the Complementary Feeding (CF) practices in children of 6 months to 2 years of age and its effect on their nutritional status.
Method: A sample size of 561 children between 6 months to 2 years was taken by cluster sampling method from urban slums.
Results: Only 27% of children had started receiving CF at 6 months of age. Majority (82.5%) of children had feeding problem. Almost all (98.7%) children with moderate to severe wasting (WLZ) had feeding problem.
Conclusions: Feeding problem was seen which was due to late initiation, incorrect quantity and type of CF given to the children. Malnutrition was seen more in children with feeding problem."

Key words: Complementary Feeding, WHO growth standards, nutritional status