Background and aims: Infant Feeding Practices (IFP) and Nutritional Status (NS) of children between 6 – 23 months were investigated in a rural community in Nigeria. 
Methods: Simple random sampling technique was used to select 368 mothers with children 6 – 23 months. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on IFP and anthropometry was done using appropriate instruments. NS was defined as wasting (WHZ), stunting (HAZ) and underweight (WAZ) according to World Health Organisation standard. IFPs were determined by Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF), Minimum Meal Frequency (MMF) and Mean Dietary Diversity (MDD).  Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Logistic regression was done and significance taken at p<0.05.
Results: About 60%% had EBF for 6 months. Majority, (94.3%) scored high in MMF while 83.3% rated low in MDD. Wasting was 22.9%, 28.3% stunted, and 17.1% underweight. EBF and MDD affected all categories of NS. MMF affected wasting and stunting. Children without EBF were twice more likely to be underweight (OR = 2.189, P = 0.058), stunted (OR = 2.189, P = 0.058) and thrice more likely to be wasted (OR = 3.454, P = 0.001). Those with low MMF were twice more likely to be stunted (OR = 1.674, P = 0.124) and thrice more likely to be wasted (OR = 3.451, P<0.001). Those with low MDD were thrice more likely to be underweight (OR = 3.295, P = 0.083) and stunted (OR = 3.295, P = 0.083).
Conclusion: EBF and MDD affected wasting, stunting and underweight among children 6-23 months.

INFANT FEEDING PRACTICES AS CORRELATES OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF 6-23 MONTHS OLD BABIES IN A RURAL COMMUNITY IN NIGERIA