author(s)
Praveen Patel

abstract
Background and objectives: Breast-feeding has a unique biological and emotional influence on the health of both mother and infant. It is furthermore an important determinant of infant health in the prevention of malnutrition and infections. When an infant reaches the age of about six months, however, breast milk alone is no longer sufficient in meeting nutrient requirements and other food (s) should therefore be given. Weaning is the period during which an infant’s diet is expanded and its dependence on milk as the sole source of nutrition is ended. It is important for the introduction of solid foods not to be delayed beyond the age of six months. The inappropriate feeding practice may be contributing to the increase in the prevalence of stunting during the first 18 months of life.