The RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AND COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING WITH TODDLER GROWTH IN PAUD AN-NUR SUB-DISTRICT BLUE-BIRU DELI SERDANG DISTRICT

Abstract

The growth and development of infants are primarily influenced by the  nutrients found in breast milk, which include proteins, carbohydrates,  minerals, and vitamins essential for their health and growth. As toddlers  reach 6-24 months old, their energy requirements increase,  necessitating additional nutritional support through appropriate  complementary feeding (MP-ASI) to foster optimal growth and  development. The objective of this study was to explore the correlation  between exclusive breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices with toddler  growth and development at An-Nur Paud, Biru-Biru District, Deli  Serdang Regency. This research adopted a cross-sectional design,  encompassing the entire population as its sample. Thirty-two mothers  and toddlers aged between three and five years participated as  respondents. Data collection employed questionnaires on exclusive  breastfeeding and MP-ASI, alongside z-score charts. Statistical analysis  utilized the chi-square test. Findings indicate a significant association  between exclusive breastfeeding and toddler growth (p-value = 0.001,  <0.05), as well as between complementary feeding and toddler growth  (p-value = 0.000, <0.05). Consequently, this study concludes that  there exists a correlation between exclusive breastfeeding and MP-ASI  practices with the growth and development of toddlers at Paud An-Nur,  Biru-Biru District, Deli Serdang Regency in 2024. It is hoped that these  findings will encourage mothers to prioritize exclusive breastfeeding and  MP-ASI practices based on this research.