title: Infant and young child feeding in developing countries.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: United Nations Children's Fund.
authors.forename: Mandana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arabi
authors.forename: Edward A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Frongillo
authors.forename: Rasmi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Avula
authors.forename: Nuné
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mangasaryan
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D003968:Diarrhea, Infantile / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D008297:Male; D009749:Nutrition Surveys