Table 1 Outcomes of interest for appropriate feeding, water, hygiene and sanitation practices in the 24 h prior to cross-sectional survey [39]

Exclusive breastfeeding

Infants < 6 months fed breast milk while receiving no other food or liquid, not even water, except for vitamins, mineral supplements, or medicine

Predominant breastfeeding

Infants < 6 months receiving predominantly breast milk and also receiving liquids, but not soft food

Partial breastfeeding

Infants < 6 months receiving breast milk and any soft food

Dietary diversity

Infant ≥ 6 months fed 4 or more food groups

Meal frequency

Minimum of 2 meals for infants 6–8 months and 3 meals for infants 9–12 months if breastfed; minimum of 4 meals aged 6–12 months if not breastfed

Minimum acceptable diet

Infant ≥ 6 months meeting minimum requirements for dietary diversity and meal frequency

Handwashing

Of mothers preparing meals, those who appropriately washed hands before meal preparation

Safe stool disposal

Of mothers with an improved form of sanitation (latrine, flush or pour-flush toilet), those that discarded infant stool using an improved form of sanitation

Safe water

Infants ≥ 6 months fed boiled or bottled water