Back ground: Although Pre-lacteal feeding is a barrier for implementation of optimalrnbreastfeeding practices and increases the risk of neonatal illness and mortality, still it is continued asrna deep-rooted nutritional malpractice in developing countries. Introducing pre-lacteal feeding andrninadequate amount of breast milk contributes to over a million avoidable infant deaths each year inrndeveloping countries.rnObjectives: The studyaimed to assess the pre-lacteal feeding practice and its determinants amongrnmothers of children less than 24 months of age in Sodozuria district, Wolaita zone, SNNRG,rnEthiopia, 2017.rnMethods: Community-based cross-sectional study design both quantitative and qualitative wasrnemployed.For quantitative data five hundred five (505) mothers of children aged less than 24 monthsrnwere selected by multistage randomized sampling technique and the data was collected by usingrninterview based structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logisticrnregression analysis were employed to identify the magnitude and factors associated with pre-lactealrnfeeding practices. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were identified as statistically significant factors.rnQualitative data was collected by focus group discussion and analyzed using thematic frameworks.rnResults: The prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding practice was 20.6%. The common type of pre-lactealrnfeedinggiven was plain water; 38(7.7%) and the major reason wasinsufficient breast milkrn32(6.5%).Mothers who live with extended family type were 6.239(1.073, 36.275)times more likelyrnto give pre-lacteal feeding as compared to those mothers who live with nuclear family type. Mothersrnwho didnâ€™t get breast feeding counseling were 4.069(1.338,12.377) times more likely give to pre-rnlacteal feeding as compared to those mothers who got breast feeding counseling.Mothers whornavoided colostrums 10.358(3.670, 29.233)times more likely to provide pre-lacteal feeding asrncompared to those mothers who fed colostrums their infants. In qualitative part, most of thernparticipants believed that giving Pre-lacteal feeding is culturally inherited and reluctant to acceptrninformation from health professionals.rnConclusion & Recommendation: Pre-lacteal feeding was more prevalent among mothers who livernwith extended family type,mothers who avoidcolostrums and mothers who didnâ€™t get breast feedingrncounseling. Therefore, strengthening breast feeding counseling about the risks associated with pre-lactealrnfeeding and integrated. Promotion of intensive nutrition education program by giving special emphasisrntoextended family mothers and should be implemented in the community.rnKey words:pre-lacteal feeding, Determinants, Children less than 24 months of age