Infant and Young Child Feeding in Developing Countries

• Autores: Mandana Arabi, Edward A. Frongillo, Rasmi Avula, Nuné Mangasaryan
• Localización: Child development, ISSN 0009-3920, Vol. 83, Nº. 1, 2012, págs. 32-45
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Feeding practices are important determinants of growth and development of children. Using infant and young child feeding indicators and complementary feeding guidelines, 7 practices in 28 countries are described, showing substantial variation across countries. Only 25% of 0- to 5-month-olds were exclusively breastfed, and only half of 6- to 8-month-olds received complementary foods the previous day. Median duration of breastfeeding and increase of fluid intake during diarrhea were low among countries with a high Human Development Index (HDI). Living in high-HDI countries may not translate to positive feeding practices. Across countries, there is a need for promotion, protection, and support of optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices as well as better adherence to recommendations for feeding during illness.