India has a big program called ICDS that helps young children get better nutrition. Researchers looked at nearly 60,000 babies aged 6-23 months to see if the program actually helped them eat healthier foods. They found that babies using the program were more likely to eat a variety of foods and eat meat and eggs, which are important for growth. However, the program didn’t help as much with other feeding practices like eating enough meals each day. The study suggests that while the program helps in some ways, it needs improvements to make a bigger difference in how babies are fed.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether India’s child nutrition program (called ICDS) helps babies aged 6-23 months eat better and more nutritious foods
  • Who participated: Nearly 60,000 babies between 6 and 23 months old from across India, using data from a large national health survey conducted between 2019-2021
  • Key finding: Babies whose families used the ICDS program were about 19% more likely to eat a variety of different foods, 27% more likely to eat eggs and meat, and 3% more likely to eat fruits and vegetables. However, the program didn’t help babies eat the right number of meals per day—in fact, they ate fewer meals than recommended.
  • What it means for you: If you live in India and have a baby between 6-23 months, using ICDS services may help your child eat more nutritious foods like eggs, meat, and vegetables. However, the program may need improvements to help ensure babies eat enough meals throughout the day. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to best support your baby’s nutrition.

The Research Details

Researchers used information from a large national survey of Indian families conducted between 2019 and 2021. They looked at nearly 60,000 babies aged 6-23 months and compared those whose families used ICDS services with those who didn’t. They used a statistical method called Modified Poisson regression to figure out if differences in eating habits were actually caused by using the program, or if they happened by chance. This method helps account for other factors that might affect what babies eat, like family income and parent education.

This study design is important because it looks at real-world data from across all of India, rather than just one small group. By studying such a large number of babies, the researchers could see patterns that might not show up in smaller studies. The statistical method they used helps ensure that the differences they found are real and not just coincidence.

This study is strong because it includes a very large number of children from across India, making the results more likely to represent what’s actually happening in the country. The data comes from a well-respected national survey that carefully collects health information. However, because this is a snapshot study (not following the same children over time), we can’t be completely sure that the program caused the differences—other factors we don’t know about might play a role. The researchers did try to account for important factors like family income and parent education.

What the Results Show

Children whose families used ICDS services showed several improvements in what they ate. They were 19% more likely to eat a diverse diet—meaning they ate foods from different food groups rather than just one or two types of food. This is important because eating different types of foods helps babies get all the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. Babies in the program were also 27% more likely to eat eggs and meat products, which are excellent sources of protein and iron that growing babies need. Additionally, they were 3% more likely to eat fruits and vegetables, though this improvement was smaller.

However, the program had some unexpected results. Babies whose families used ICDS were actually 14% less likely to eat the recommended number of meals per day. This is concerning because babies aged 6-23 months need to eat several times a day to get enough calories and nutrients. The program also didn’t make a significant difference in whether babies started eating semi-solid foods at the right age (around 6-8 months) or whether they achieved a minimum acceptable diet overall.

The study revealed that while ICDS helps improve the types of foods babies eat—particularly protein-rich foods like eggs and meat—it doesn’t address all aspects of healthy feeding. The fact that ICDS beneficiaries ate fewer meals per day than recommended suggests that the program may be helping families choose better quality foods but not helping them understand how often babies need to eat. This could mean that babies are getting some good nutrients but not enough total calories throughout the day.

Previous research has shown that complementary feeding—introducing foods other than breast milk to babies aged 6 months and older—is crucial for healthy development. This study adds to that knowledge by showing that programs like ICDS can help improve food quality but may have gaps in other important areas. Other studies in different countries have found similar patterns where nutrition programs help with some aspects of feeding but not others, suggesting this is a common challenge for large public health programs.

This study has several important limitations to keep in mind. First, it’s a snapshot in time—researchers looked at families once rather than following them over months or years, so we can’t be completely sure the program caused the changes. Second, the study only shows what families reported eating, which might not be completely accurate. Third, the researchers couldn’t measure everything that might affect a baby’s diet, such as the quality of advice parents received or how well they understood nutrition guidance. Finally, while the study is very large, it only includes data from India, so results might be different in other countries with different programs and food availability.

The Bottom Line

If you have a baby aged 6-23 months in India, consider using ICDS services as they appear to help your child eat more nutritious foods, especially protein sources like eggs and meat (moderate confidence). However, also make sure your baby eats the recommended number of meals per day—typically 2-3 meals plus snacks—even if you’re using the program. Talk to your healthcare provider or an ICDS worker about the right feeding schedule for your baby’s age. The program works best when combined with good understanding of how often and how much babies should eat.

Parents and caregivers of babies aged 6-23 months in India should pay attention to these findings, especially those considering whether to use ICDS services. Healthcare workers and program managers in India should also care about this research because it shows where the program is working well and where improvements are needed. This research is less relevant for families outside of India or for babies older than 23 months, though some lessons might apply to other nutrition programs in developing countries.

If you start using ICDS services, you might notice changes in your baby’s diet within a few weeks as you learn about better food choices. However, building healthy eating habits takes time—expect to see real improvements in your baby’s nutrition and growth over several months of consistent use of the program and following feeding recommendations.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your baby’s meals daily by recording: (1) the types of foods eaten (meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits, grains), (2) the number of meals and snacks per day, and (3) portion sizes. Use a simple checklist to mark off when your baby eats from each food group.
  • Set a daily reminder to ensure your baby eats the recommended number of meals (typically 2-3 meals plus 1-2 snacks for babies 6-23 months). Use the app to plan meals that include protein sources like eggs or meat at least once daily, and include one fruit or vegetable at each meal.
  • Review your baby’s eating patterns weekly in the app to identify trends. Track whether your baby is eating foods from all major food groups and eating the right number of meals. Share this information with your ICDS worker or healthcare provider monthly to get feedback and adjust feeding practices as needed.

This research describes associations found in a large survey but does not prove that ICDS services directly cause better eating habits. Individual results may vary. Always consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider before making changes to your baby’s diet or nutrition plan. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your baby’s growth, nutrition, or development, speak with a qualified healthcare professional immediately.