The Relationship between Nutritional Status, Parenting Patterns, and Child Development among Children Aged 6–24 Months: A Literature Review

Abstract

Nutrition is a fundamental determinant of optimal growth and development in early childhood. Adequate nutritional intake combined with effective parenting practices plays a crucial role in supporting physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development during the critical window of 6–24 months. This literature review aims to examine the relationship between nutritional status and parenting patterns with child development outcomes among children aged 6–24 months. A systematic literature review was conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed databases, with studies published between 2018–2023. Keywords included “nutritional status,” “parenting patterns,” and “child development.” A total of 15 peer-reviewed articles were selected. Data analysis emphasized findings related to anthropometric indicators (WAZ, HAZ, WHZ) and parenting approaches, with reported associations measured through Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Findings across studies indicate that children with normal nutritional status (based on WAZ and WHZ indices) are more likely to achieve normal developmental milestones compared to those with undernutrition or overnutrition. Parenting patterns, particularly in responsive feeding and breastfeeding practices, were consistently associated with improved child development outcomes. However, the HAZ index (height-for-age) did not always correlate with developmental status. Maternal education and employment status were also found to influence parenting quality and child growth. There is a significant relationship between nutritional status (WAZ and WHZ) and parenting patterns with the development of children aged 6–24 months. Interventions targeting maternal knowledge, breastfeeding practices, and balanced dietary intake are essential to promote optimal child growth and development.