Healthy nutrition for a healthy child: A review on infant feeding in India

Appropriate infant feeding is crucial for the improvement of child survival worldwide. This review aimed to explore the recommended practices, advantages of breastfeeding, and age-appropriate complementary feeding practices. Colostrum, which serves as the first immunization for the newborn, is largely ignored owing to the various myths surrounding it in developing countries. The World Health Organization recommends an early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth and exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months to combat killer diseases such as diarrheal diseases, pneumonia, and obesity. On the other hand, complementary feeding is recommended with increase in the diversity, quantity, consistency and frequency as the child gets older along with continued breastfeeding for 12 months. Inappropriate complementary feeding is one of the major causes of malnutrition in children under the age of 5 years. Hence, appropriate guidance should be given to caregivers and health-care workers to help them promote the healthy growth of infants and young children.