Introduction: Nutritional status of under-5 children is an indicator
of the health status of the nation. Malnutrition has its root in
maternal health as well as feeding practices in the community.
Study was planned with the objective to determine the incidence
of feeding practices i.e. breast feeding and complementary feeding
and malnutrition in 0-24months age children according to Infant
and Young Child Nutrition [IYCN] policy of WHO.
Material and methods: A non-experimental descriptive study
was conducted in an urban tertiary centre including children
between 0-24months of age. Their clinical examination,
anthropometry, WHO classification of malnutrition and dietary
information was recorded on structured questionnaire.
Results: Of the 125 children, 44% were malnourished. Exclusive
Breast Feeding was given by only 36.8% mothers. Colostrum
feeding was practiced in 83.2% children. Prelacteal consumption
was noted in 54.4% children. 52% mothers initiated Breast
Feeding in first hour of birth, of which 59% children had no
malnutrition. Only 38% children received complementary
feeding between 6-9months of age. Complementary feeding
with continued Breastfeeding till 1year of age was noted in 71%
children. Relation between age of starting complementary feeding
and malnutrition was statistically significant [p=0.020]. Minimum
dietary diversity was noted in 47.2% children.
Conclusion: Breast feeding initiation within 1st hour of birth
and Complementary feeding at 6months are imperative to
prevent malnutrition. The relation between early and delayed
complementary feeding and malnutrition was statistically
significant, thus emphasizing that optimum timing of initiating
complementary feeding along with breast feeding play a key role
in preventing malnutrition.