breastfeeding, caregivers, complementary feeding, feeding practices, infant and young child, Nutrition. Foods and food supply, TX341-641, Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases, RC620-627

Background: Although infant and young child feeding (IYCF) recommendations are widely accepted in South Africa, inappropriate IYCF practices still exist, leading to malnutrition in children.Objective: To investigate the IYCF practices of caregivers in Copesville, Pietermaritzburg (PMB).Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted.Setting: Masons Clinic, Copesville, PMB.Subjects: Two-hundred and fifty caregivers older than 18 years of age caring for a 6–24-month-old child at the time of the study.Outcome measures: A face-to-face questionnaire was developed using recent, relevant literature and was validated for the study.Results: The mean age of the caregivers was 32.25 (10.42) years. About 96% (n = 239) of infants were ever breastfed. The mean age at which breastfeeding was stopped was 5.9 ± 4.3 months. Mothers who were still breastfeeding planned to continue breastfeeding for a mean duration of 12.6 ± 5.6 months. About 60% (n = 149) of infants were started on solids at the appropriate age of 6 months. Lennon Entressdruppels (16.9%; n = 14), sugar water (15.7%; n = 13) and fruit and vegetables (13.3%; n = 11) were fed before the age of six months. Forty-nine caregivers (19.6%) consulted a traditional healer regarding IYCF. Non-edible items fed to cleanse the stomach included toothpaste and polish (5.6%; n = 8) and disinfectant solution (1.7%; n = 1).Conclusions: Caregivers should be educated on the benefits of continued breastfeeding until two years or beyond and the importance of starting solids at the appropriate age of six months. The potential dangers to the health of infants of feeding non-edible items should also be highlighted.