Adequate diet, from conception to infancy, is associated with numerous gains for children. It ensures sufficient micronutrients, protein, and essential fatty acids for brain development. A well-nourished child begins life with cognitive, motor, socio-emotional, and developmental advantages over other children. Initiating exclusive Breastfeeding within an hour of birth reduces the likelihood of neonatal mortality; it serves as the starting point of the continuum of care for the mother and world. Studies in India and the world have found that the odds of neonatal death increase multifold if there is a delay in breastfeeding initiation. Infants and young children are amongst the most vulnerable groups in India. Exclusive Breastfeeding for six months reduces the risk of diarrhoea and growth faltering.
Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) is a set of well-known, common, and scientific recommendations for appropriately feeding newborns and children under two years old.
