Increasing the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding could save an estimated 1.5 million infant lives each year. In fact, up to 55 percent of infant deaths from diarrheal disease and acute respiratory infections may result from inappropriate feeding practices. Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, timely and adequate complementary feeding, and continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond are some of the key feeding practices that can improve children’s health, especially in developing countries.

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