Exploring the Relationship of Nutritional Status and Parenting Styles with Child Development in the First Two Years of Life: A Literature Review

Abstract

Nutritional intake is a crucial determinant of optimal growth and development in children under five years old. Inadequate nutrition can result in both undernutrition and overnutrition, each posing risks to child development. Parenting, particularly nutritional parenting practices, plays an equally vital role. This review aimed to analyze the relationship between nutritional status and parenting practices with the development of children aged 6–24 months. A literature review design was employed, synthesizing 15 peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2024 from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The keywords used were nutritional status, parenting, child development, and infants aged 6–24 months. Articles included both national and international studies relevant to the topic. Data analysis was conducted through narrative synthesis, focusing on findings related to weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and parenting variables. Evidence consistently shows that nutritional status, particularly WAZ and WHZ, is significantly associated with child development outcomes, including motor, cognitive, and social domains. Conversely, HAZ was not consistently correlated with developmental milestones. Parenting practices, especially breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and stimulation, demonstrated a significant relationship with developmental outcomes. Children who received good nutritional care and stimulation showed better developmental achievements compared to those with inadequate parenting practices. Nutritional status (based on WAZ and WHZ) and parenting practices are significantly associated with the development of children aged 6–24 months. Interventions aimed at improving maternal knowledge, exclusive breastfeeding, and appropriate complementary feeding should be prioritized to ensure optimal child growth and development.