<![CDATA[Preschool children are a vulnerable group who require adequate nutrition and optimal caregiving to support their growth and development. In Talango District, Sumenep Regency, child caregiving by extended family members due to the local tradition of labor migration is a common phenomenon. However, its implications for feeding practices, macronutrient intake, and children's nutritional status have received limited attention. This study aimed to analyze differences in feeding practices, macronutrient intake levels, and nutritional status among preschool children based on caregiver type. This research employed a cross-sectional analytical observational design involving 107 preschool children aged 3–6 years from four kindergartens in Talango District, selected through purposive sampling. Data on feeding practices were collected using the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ), macronutrient intake was assessed through two 24-hour food recalls, and nutritional status was determined using anthropometric measurements. The results showed that the majority of caregivers practiced appropriate feeding practices (94.4%). Most children had inadequate energy intake (49.5%) and carbohydrate intake (90.7%), while protein intake was generally adequate (48.6%), and fat intake mostly exceeded the recommended requirements (66.4%). Most children had normal nutritional status based on height-for-age (84.1%) and good nutritional status based on body mass index-for-age (74.8%). The findings indicated no significant differences in feeding practices, macronutrient intake levels, or nutritional status according to caregiver type (p > 0.05). The fulfillment of children's nutritional needs is influenced not only by caregiver type but also by family environmental factors and overall dietary consumption patterns.]]>
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