Chapter 15

Feeding Infants

©2015 Cengage Learning.

•Profile of an Infant

• Food & feeding relationship play an important role in meeting the infant's

-biological

-learning

-developmental needs

Self-awareness & Trust

Feeding +close physical contact+emotional connectedness+verbal/non verbal interchanges+TLC=

Self-awareness & Trust

Infant Growth Patterns

• Infants experience rapid growth during the first year. Their:– Weight increases by approximately 2/3

ounce/day between birth and 6 months;– 1/2 ounce/day between 6 and 12 months.– Length increases by approximately 10 inches.– Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is higher than an

adults’.

Nutrient Needs

Infants’ nutrient needs are

influenced by:

• Rapid growth• Small stomach capacity• Physiological and developmental readiness

Determinants of Infants’ Nutrient Needs

• 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 small amounts at

each feeding so they must eat often.

Determinants of Infants’ Nutrient Needs

• Physiological and developmental readiness:– Intestines—are not fully functional; they do not

produce the enzyme amylase, which is needed to digest 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.

Feeding Infants

• Breast milk or formula provide all nutrients an infant requires for optimal growth and development during the first 4 to 6 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 may not require this because most formulas contain vitamin D

• Semisolid (pureed) foods should not be introduced before this time.

Breast-Feeding pg.385 Table 15-1

• Advantages (for the 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

Breast-Feeding

• Advantages (for infant):– Provides the infant with temporary protection

(antibodies) against many viral and bacterial illnesses– Less likely to cause an allergic response– Volume of milk 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

Breast-Feeding

• 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

Breast-Feeding

• Disadvantages (for mother):– Must be available– May limit father’s involvement in the feeding process– Mother must pay attention to her dietary intake– Requires family support and freedom from anxiety– May not be advisable if mother is ill or taking certain

medications

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 formula with bottled water is recommended to avoid introducing environmental contaminants.

Breast Milk versus Formula

• Both methods adequately meet an infant’s nutrient needs and provide an opportunity for emotional 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 for extended

periods of time– Personal choice– Use of addictive drugs and tobacco

How to Determine If An Infant’s Nutrient Needs Are Being Met

• It is likely that an infant is receiving adequate nutrients if he or she continues to:– Grow (increased length, weight) at an appropriate rate– Have energy for active play– Avoid frequent illness

Introducing Solid Foods

• How do you know when an infant is ready to transition to solid foods?– Is able to accept foods and swallow– Is able to sit up in a chair– Is able to assert self (turns head away,

pushes spoon away when no longer hungry)– Is ready to interact and socialize– Shows interest in touching and

picking up foods

Introducing Solid Foods

• Foods are usually 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 and foods containing honey; may contain botulism spores.

• This process may be delayed and take longer for some children who have special needs.

Feeding Precautions

• Choking is common during an infant’s transition from milk to solid foods. Children with certain developmental disabilities and medical conditions may also have difficulty swallowing.

• 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.

Quiz

1. How long can you keep breast milk in the refrigerator?

2. How long can you keep frozen breast milk?

3. A full term infant is born with which 2 nutrients? How long does it last?

4. It is ok to heat formula in a microwave.

When should you feed an infant?