<![CDATA[Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is believed to contribute significantly to infant physical growth; however, empirical evidence within the local context of Eastern Indonesia—specifically West Halmahera Regency—remains very limited. This study aimed to analyze the association between exclusive breastfeeding practices and infant growth in the service area of the Balisoan Community Health Center (Puskesmas), Sahu District. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, involving 25 mothers with infants aged 4–11 months selected via total sampling. Data on weight and length were obtained through anthropometric measurements; normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test before analysis via an independent sample t-test. The results showed that 68% of the infants in the sample were exclusively breastfed, while 32% were fed formula milk. No significant difference in mean weight was found between the two groups (p=0.682); however, the mean length of exclusively breastfed infants (70.959 cm) was significantly greater than that of the formula-fed group (65.512 cm) (p=0.043). It is concluded that exclusive breastfeeding is closely associated with infant length, though not with infant weight. These findings provide a crucial basis for strengthening lactation education programs at the primary healthcare level to support optimal child growth.]]>
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