Background: Optimal infant- and young child-feeding (IYCF) practices are crucial for
nutritional status, growth, development, health, and ultimately the survival of infants
and young children. Practices like premature cessation of breastfeeding, early and
unnecessary introduction of top feeding in incorrect dilutions and unhygienic pattern
are also quite prevalent in many communities thereby aggravating malnutrition in
children. The present study was undertaken to assess the feeding practices in the first
six months among children less than three years, to know the barriers for the same and
to study the effect of feeding practices on their nutritional status. Methodology: A cross
sectional study was conducted in all the villages under Rural Health Training Centre,
the field practice area of Department of Community Medicine. A total of 500 mothers
with their underthree children were included in the study. A Predesigned pretested semi
structured questionnaire was used to collect information on feeding practices within the
first six months of life. Results: In the present study a total of 160 (33%) children were on
top milk of which majority consumed cow’s milk and were fed by bottle (91%). Majority
of the mothers diluted milk (87.5%) in the proportion of 1:1 (38%). In appropriate feeding
practices were more common males. Infants who had inappropriate feeding practices in the
initial six months were found to be maximally undernourished. Conclusion: The present
study revealed suboptimal feeding practices in the first six months, which was again
found as one of the major risk factor for malnutrition among children.