Chapter 15 Feeding Infants

Chapter 15
Feeding Infants
Marotz, Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child, 10th Edition. © 2020 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be
scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Marotz, Health, Safety, and Nutrition for the Young Child, 10th Edition. © 2020 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned,
copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.
Infant Growth Patterns
• Infants experience rapid growth during the first year. Their:
• Weight increases by approximately ⅔ ounce/day between birth and 6 months;
½ 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 (1 of 2)
• 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 (2 of 2)
• 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 six months.

Breast-Feeding (1 of 4)
• 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

• Advantages (for infant):
• Provides the infant with temporary protection (antibodies) against many viral and
bacterial illnesses
• Is 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

• 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

• 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.
• 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 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 (1 of 2)
• 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 (turn head away, push
spoon away when no longer hungry)
• Is ready to interact and socialize
• Shows interest in touching and picking up
foods

Introducing Solid Foods (2 of 2)
• Semi-solid 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.
• Introducing semi-solid foods may be delayed 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 into small pieces!
• Avoid serving foods that are hard to chew (raw carrots) or sticky (peanut
butter) and difficult to swallow.

Chapter 15 Feeding Infants

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Chapter 15 Feeding Infants