Table 1 IYCF indicators’ category and definition according to WHO and UNICEF 2021 [2, 13] used in this study

Breastfeeding indicators

Early initiation of breastfeeding

Proportion of children born in the last 24 months who were put to breast within the first one hour

Exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months (EBF)

Proportion of infants 0–5 months of age who are fed exclusively with breast milk

Continued breastfeeding at 1 year

Proportion of children 12–15 months of age who are fed breast milk

Continued breastfeeding 12–23 months^a

Percentage of children 12–23 months of age who were fed breast milk during the previous day

Complementary feeding indicators

Introduction of solid or semi-solid or soft foods

Percentage of infants 6–8 months of age who consumed solid, semi-solid, solid or soft foods during the previous day

Minimum dietary diversity 6–23 months (MDD)

Percentage of 6–23 months of age who consumed foods and beverages at least five out of eight defined food groups during the previous day

Minimum meal frequency 6–23 months (MMF)

Percentage of children 6–23 months of age who consumed solid, semi-solid or soft foods (but also including milk feeds for non-breastfed children) at least the minimum number of times during the previous day. The minimum number is defined as:

- 2 feedings of solid, semi-solid or soft foods for breastfed infants aged 6–8 months;

- 3 feedings of solid, semi-solid or soft foods for breastfed children aged 9–23 months;

- 4 feedings of solid, semi-solid or soft foods or milk feeds for non-breastfed children aged 6–23 months whereby at least one must be a solid, semi-solid or soft feed

Minimum acceptable diet 6–23 months (MAD)

Percentage of children 6–23 months of age who consumed a minimum acceptable diet during the previous day defined as:

- For breastfed children: receiving at least the minimum dietary diversity and minimum meal frequency for their age

- For non-breastfed children: receiving at least the minimum dietary diversity and minimum meal frequency for their age