Breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in infants less than two years old in Mexico

Objective. To describe infant and young child feeding indicators in children under 24 months of age in Mexico. Materials and methods. Analysis of the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutricion 2021 and 2022 (Ensanut 2021-2022) in women aged 14-59 and their children under 24 months (<24 months).The indicators were calculated considering the sample design of the surveys. Results. The 33.6% of children <6 months received exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and 27.2% of children <24 months did not receive EBF during the first three days of life, and were fed with commercial infant formula (CIF) or another liquid.Also, 42% of children between 6 and 23 months consumed unhealthy foods. Conclusions. Infant and young child feeding practices in Mexico must be protected through policies that regulate the commercialization of CIF and promote a work, social and political environment suitable for breastfeeding and infant care, so that parents and other caregivers can adopt adequate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut 2021-2022) data from 2016 and 2018 to describe infant and young child feeding indicators in Mexico. The findings showed that 33.6% of infants were exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, while 27.2% did not receive exclusive breastfeeding during the first three days of life and were fed with commercial infant formula or other liquids. Additionally, 42% of children aged 6-23 months consumed unhealthy foods.