Optimal feeding practices are fundamental to a child’s survival, growth and development, but too few children benefit
What, when and how young children are fed during the first two years of life lay the foundation for survival, growth and development. Ideally, infants should be put to breast within one hour of birth, breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months of life and continue to be breastfed up to 2 years of age and beyond. Starting at 6 months, breastfeeding should be combined with safe, age-appropriate feeding of nutritious solid, semi-solid and soft foods.
In 2021, UNICEF and WHO published a set of updated indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices during this critical window of birth to up to 2 years of age.
Access the latest information and data on breastfeeding practices for children around the world
Access the latest information and data on diets of children aged 6 –23 months around the world
Data
Infant and young child feeding
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