This study uses novel household survey data that are representative
of Bangladesh’s large cities, and of slum and
nonslum areas within the cities, to investigate the effects
of demographic and socioeconomic factors on early child
growth in 2013. The study also decomposes the difference
in mean child growth between slum and nonslum
areas in 2013, and the increase in mean child growth in
slum and nonslum areas from 2006 to 2013. Mother’s
education attainment and household wealth largely explain
the cross-sectional difference and intertemporal change
in child growth. Although positive in some cases, the
effects of maternal and child health services, and potential
health-protective household amenities, differ by the
type of health facility, household amenity, and urban area.
The results suggest that a focus on nutrition-sensitive programs
for slum residents and the urban poor is appropriate.