Transcript Feeding infants

Chapter 16
Feeding Infants
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Infant Growth Patterns
• Infants experience rapid growth during the
first year:
– Gains approximately 2/3 ounce/day between
birth and 6 months; gains of 1/2 ounce/day
between 6 and 12 months are typical.
– Length increases by approximately 10 inches.
– Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is higher than an
adults’.
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Determinants of Infants’ Nutrient
Needs
• Rapid growth
• Small stomach capacity
• Physiological and developmental
readiness
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Determinants of Infants’ Nutrient
Needs (continued)
• Rapid growth
– Infants require approximately 45 to 55
calories per pound/body weight during the first
six months; 40 to 50 calories/pound are
needed during the second six months
• Small stomach capacity
– Infants are able to consume only limited
amounts at each feeding so they must eat
often
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Determinants of Infants’ Nutrient
Needs (continued)
• Physiological and developmental readiness:
– Intestines—are not fully functional; they do not
produce the enzyme amylase, which is needed for
digesting starches (i.e., cereals).
– Kidneys—are not effective in filtering waste products,
thus making infants more prone to dehydration.
– Tongue—reflexes allow infant to suck but not to move
food from front to back of mouth.
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Feeding Infants
• Breast milk or formula provide all the nutrients
an infant needs for optimal growth and
development during the first four to six months
with the exception of vitamin D.
– The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a
daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D for breast fed
infants. Formula-fed infants do not require this
because formulas contain vitamin D
• Semisolid (pureed) foods should not be
introduced before this time.
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Breast-Feeding
• Advantages (for infant):
– Provides the right mix of protein,
carbohydrates, and fats in forms that are easy
to digest
– Is high in calories to meet the infant’s growth
and energy needs
– Is especially high in calcium, phosphorus,
iron, and vitamin C
– Provides friendly bacteria that help the infant’s
intestines to develop
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Breast-Feeding (continued)
• Advantages (for infant) (continued):
– Provides the infant with temporary protection
(antibodies) against many viral and bacterial
illnesses
– Less likely to cause an allergic response
– Volume is produced in response to the
infant’s needs
– Always ready on demand
– Breast-fed infants have been shown to have
lower rates of obesity
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Breast-Feeding (continued)
• Advantages (for mother):
– A convenience food—no mixing, correct
temperature, no dishes to wash
– Less expensive—no formula to purchase;
however, mothers must increase their dietary
intake of certain nutrients
– Sanitary conditions—always clean; less
chance for introduction of harmful bacteria
– Helps to return the reproductive system back
to normal
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Breast-Feeding (continued)
• Disadvantages (for mother):
– Must be available
– May limit father’s involvement in the feeding
process
– Mother must pay attention to the quality of her
diet
– Requires family support and freedom from
anxiety
– May not be advisable if mother is ill or taking
certain medications
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Formula Feeding
• Commercial formulas are similar in composition
to breast milk, but do not contain protective
antibodies.
• Manufacturers have recently added two
essential fatty acids (DHA and ARA) previously
missing from U.S. formulas.
• Mixing with bottled water is recommended to
avoid introducing environmental contaminants.
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Breast Milk versus Formula
• Both methods adequately meet an infant’s
nutrient needs and provide an opportunity for
bonding.
• Mothers may choose not to nurse or to use a
combination of breast- and formula feeding
based on a variety of factors, including:
– Illness or mother’s need to take certain medications
– Mother needs to be away from the infant periods of
time
– Personal choice
– Mother uses addictive drugs, including tobacco
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How to Determine an Infant’s
Nutrient Needs
• An infant’s nutrient needs are based on:
– Growth (height, weight) that continues at an
appropriate rate
– Energy for active play
– Absence of frequent illness
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Introduction of Solid Foods—Knowing
When an Infant Is Ready for Solid Food
• Is able to accept foods and swallow
• Is able to sit up in a chair
• Is able to assert self
(turns head away, indicates when
no longer hungry)
• Is ready to interact and socialize
• Begins to enjoy touching and picking up foods
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Introduction of Solid Foods
(continued)
• Usually foods are introduced in the following
order:
– Cereals—rice being the first because it is less likely to
cause an allergic response
– Vegetables
– Fruits
– Meats and other proteins
• Avoid honey or foods containing honey; they
may contain botulism spores.
• This process may be delayed and take longer
for some children who have special needs.
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Feeding Cautions
• Choking is common during an infant’s transition
from milk to solid foods. Children with certain
types of special needs may be more prone to
choking.
• Know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver
and CPR.
• Always cut food in small pieces!
• Avoid serving foods that are hard to chew (raw
carrots) or sticky (peanut butter) and difficult to
swallow.
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