Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Practices and Nutritional Status of Children Under Five in Urban Slums of Surat: A Longitudinal Study

Background: Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are critical for preventing malnutrition, particularly in urban slum populations in India. Aims & Objectives: To assess IYCF practices and document the nutritional status of children under five years residing in urban slums. Methodology: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among 170 children under five years, followed for two months. Anthropometric measurements were recorded at baseline, one month, and two months. Nutritional status was assessed, and IYCF indicators—Minimum Meal Frequency (MMF), Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD), and Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD)—were evaluated. Results: Low birth weight (<2.5 kg) was observed in 24.7% of children. At baseline, 15.4% were wasted, 32.9% underweight, and 39.4% stunted. Significant weight gain was noted during follow-up (0.47 ± 0.67 kg at one month; 0.69 ± 0.97 kg at two months; p < 0.001), with wasting declining to 8.8%. Early initiation of breastfeeding occurred in 74.7%, and 91.2% received colostrum. MMF, MDD, and MAD were met by 58.9%, 53.6%, and 32.1% respectively. Pre-lacteal feeding was reported in 16.5%. No significant association was found between IYCF indicators and nutritional status. Conclusion: Although short-term counselling reduced wasting, chronic malnutrition remained high, highlighting the need for sustained, integrated interventions focusing on IYCF practices, maternal education, and food security in urban slums.