Background: Appropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding in early age of life are widely identified as important
factor for ideal child growth and development. Malnutrition has been responsible, directly or indirectly, for 60% of all
deaths among children less than 5 years of age in India annually. Objective: To assess determinants of breastfeeding and
complimentary feeding practices among children aged (0-23 months) in rural area of Nagpur. Methods: A descriptive crosssectional
study conducted from December 2014 to March 2015 in three villages of a sub centre Patansavangi in rural area
of Nagpur district. A total of 363 children of 0-23 month of age were studied for breastfeeding and complimentary feeding
practices using a standard pretested & pre-validated questionnaire. Result: Of 363 studied subjects, mothers of 213 (58.7%)
initiated breastfeeding within one hour. Of 270 study subjects in age group of 6-23 months exclusive breastfeeding up to
6 months was done in 115(42.6 %) subjects and 160 (59.2%)of the mothers initiated complementary feeding at the age
of 6 months. On Bivariate analysis early initiation of breast feeding, exclusive breast feeding and timely introduction of
complimentary feeding was higher in literate mothers, Pregnancy at the age of > 19 years, mothers having > 3 ANC visits,
multiparity and those who had institutional delivery. Conclusion: The findings clearly highlight the importance of imparting
health education, support and encouragement to mother about correct IYCF practices