OBJECTIVES: to describe and analyze data of a survey on nutritional practices in children to one year of age carried out in Londrina, Paraná. METHOD: data were obtained during the "National Immunisition Canpaign", carried out in August 2002. Mothers were asked to answer a questionnaire on how they had fed their child in the preceding 24 hours. Children were selected following a sample planning by cluster. Probits analysis was used to know the breastfeeding frequency. Through logistic regression analysis risk factors were analyzed concerning the interruption of exclusive breastfeeding of babies younger than four months and the weaning of babies below the age of one. RESULTS: among babies younger than four months exclusive breastfeeding (EB) prevalence was 29.3% and predominant breastfeeding (PB) was 20.7%. For those younger than six months, EB prevalence was 21% and PB was 16.5%. Concerning children below the age of one, the prevalence was 62.4%. The median time was 11.9 days for EB and 257.3 for PB. Risk factors were: use of pacifiers, first child, mother's age and job. CONCLUSIONS: the breast-feeding rates found were considered low, showing the necessity of making adequate public policies.
Breast feeding; Weaning; Lactation; Nutrition; survey
