Suboptimal Child Feeding and Its Determinants

Abstract

Inappropriate feeding during the early childhood period plays a detrimental role in the child’s growth, development, and overall health. Some of these are suboptimal feeding practices, which have a negative impact on a child’s nutritional status and well-being. Suboptimal child feeding is a common problem in developing countries, despite the efforts that have been made to address it. This book chapter explores the determinants of suboptimal child feeding and identifies the various factors that contribute to it among caregivers. By reviewing existing literature and the author’s prior work, the chapter provides comprehensive insights into suboptimal feeding during childhood and its contributing factors. The book chapter reviews recent research on suboptimal child feeding practices and contributing factors. It also presents the findings and interprets the researcher’s own work on the topic. The chapter highlights the importance of the research findings in enriching the existing body of knowledge and informing future research in the field. It also concludes that a multidimensional approach is needed to address the socioeconomic, maternal, family, and environmental factors that contribute to suboptimal child-feeding practices. This approach will help to ensure better health outcomes for children.