Feeding Practices and Morbidity Pattern among Infants in a Rural Area of South 24 Pgs. District, West Bengal

Child rearing practice which is recognized to have a direct effect on chiid health is mainly influenced by customs, superstitions, beliefs, cultural pattern, socio economic status of families and prevailing health practices in that area. Exclusive breastfeeding practice though found to be associated with significant reduction of child morbidity, the increasing trend for bottle feeding and early weaning are threats in developed and developing countries. Poor knowledge of mothers and illiteracy have also made it worse.