1. Detailed feeding histories of 538 children between the ages 1 month and 5 years have been collected from an urban population of the lower socio-economic groups in Calcutta and analysed. 2. It is found that only a small number of mothers is capable of feeding their children at the breast after six months. 3. About sixty per cent of the mothers add carbohydrate gruels as supplementary foods. 4. Solid foods are added mostly at the age of 1 to 11/2 years, and the common solid foods given at this age are carbohydrate in nature. 5. The effects of feeding habits and suggestions for their improvement are discussed.