ABSTRACT
PIP: A survey on infant feeding practices and its problems was conducted in an attempt to improve child health, particularly during the first 2 years of life, when breastmilk should be the primary source of an infant's nutrition. Although breastfeeding was a generally accepted norm during the initial 1-year period, the majority of infants were not breastfed after 1 year of age. It was clearly observed that early cessation of breastfeeding, particularly during the first 6 months of age, not only increased the risk of malnutrition, but also increased the risk of diarrheal diseases, which in turn affected significantly the nutritional status. Early introduction of supplementary food, particularly around 3 months of age, reduced the risk of malnutrition. Since the practice of breastfeeding naturally decreases after 6 months of age, the improvement in types and quantity of supplementary food is important indeed, to maintain the beneficial effects of breastfeeding.^ieng
