Background
 
Timely initiation of breastfeeding is defined as placing the neonates to the breast within 1 h after delivery. In Ethiopia, different studies have been conducted to assess the magnitude of early initiation of breast feeding but findings of these studies were characterized by great variability. Therefore, the aim this study was to assess timely initiation of breastfeeding and associated factors among mothers of children less than 12 months old.
 
Materials and Methods
 
Community based cross-sectional study design was employed from January 1^st to March 31^st 2019. Multistage sampling procedure was used and data was collected by interviewer administered questionnaire. Both bivariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed and statistical significance was declared at P- value less than 0.05.
 
Results
 
The mean age of mothers in this study was 25.97 (+5.5), and 93.7% were married. Prevalence of timely initiation of breast feeding was 80.2%. In multiple logistic regression analysis, being male (AOR: 3.39, 95% CI:  3.39(1.49, 7.71), living with nuclear family (AOR: 3.49, 95% CI: 1.09-11.12), spontaneous vaginal delivery (AOR: 4.67, 95% CI: 1.92-11.33), and counseling on timely initiation of breast feeding during ANC (AOR: 4.76, 95% CI: 2.06-10.98) were statistically associated.
 
Conclusion
 
Timely initiation of breastfeeding in Wolaita Sodo city was lower than nationally recommended level of 92%. Providing breastfeeding counseling during antenatal visits and at community level on timely initiation of breastfeeding and advising mothers to initiate breast milk within 1 hour after caesarian sections were recommended.