Abstract

Background: Well-being of child is directly related to the nutritional status of the baby. Malnutrition rate increases between 6 and 18 months—the period of complementary feeding. Appropriate complementary feeding promotes growth and prevents stunting among children aged between 6 and 24 months.
Objective: To document the knowledge, attitude, and practices pertaining to complementary feeding among the mothers of Waghodia Taluka of Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the conveniently enrolled 250 mothers of Waghodiya Taluka of Vadodara having at least one child less than 2 years of age. Data were entered and analyzed using Excel 2007 and Epi Info 7 software.
Results: Cow’s milk was most common (44.4%) introductory food item. Around 58% mothers fed their children less than five times a day. Around 75% mothers fed their children by themselves; 17% were unaware about measures for maintaining hygiene. Most common illnesses associated with poor feeding as described by mothers were diarrhea (30%) and vomiting (22%). Literate mothers were observed to feed their children 2.4 times more if they had developed 2 diarrhea (χ = 9.2986, df = 1, p < 0.01; OR = 2.4209; 1.3610–4.3063) and 3 times more during the episode of fever 2 (χ = 6.8517, df = 1, p < 0.01; OR = 3.3962; 1.3002–8.8713). Conclusion: Improper feeding practices were associated with education status of mothers. Knowledge about hygiene practices and illnesses related to poor feeding was also found less and both required more attention.