NOURISHING TOMORROW: A STUDY OF FEEDING PRACTICES IN MWEA'S DAYCARE CENTERS
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Abstract
A child's nutritional status serves as a crucial indicator of overall well-being and health, with infant and young child feeding practices standing out as pivotal interventions for enhancing child health and nutrition (Muluye et al., 2020). This study delves into the multifaceted relationship between feeding practices, nutritional status, and the comprehensive health of infants and young children. The quantity and quality of food intake, along with the child's physical health, exert profound influences on growth, development, and physical activity, collectively shaping the child's health trajectory. Anthropometry emerges as the predominant method for assessing nutritional status in children under the age of five. This involves meticulous measurements of length/height, weight, and mid (upper) arm circumference, which are then compared against established national and international standards. The outcomes provide a comprehensive understanding of a child's nutritional status, facilitating targeted interventions (De Onis, 2006; WHO, 2011).Furthermore, the study emphasizes the critical role of the quality of care in influencing the growth and development of infants and young children. Optimal growth outcomes hinge on the meticulous consideration of the child's unique characteristics, needs, and developmental levels within day-to-day childcare practices (Dewey & Brown, 2003). By examining the intricate interplay of these factors, this research aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the determinants of child nutritional status, paving the way for informed strategies to enhance the well-being and health trajectories of infants and young children

