short presentation regarding feeding advice in children with mild to moderate malnutrition

1. Parental advice for feeding in
children with mild to moderate
Malnutrition
Dr Gururaja
Paediatrician

2. Feeding schedule
• Infant - 8 to 12 times per day in first four months
• Later in infancy – 6 -8 times per day
• Children more than 1 yr – 3 snacks, 3 meals
• 3 choices
• Snacks should be timed at least 1 hr before meals

3. Feeding environment
• Comfortable
• Relaxed
• Minimum distractions
• Eating with other family members

4. Things to be avoided
• Forced feeding
• Strict parenting
• Autonomy struggles

5. Other things to be kept in mind
• Regular interaction with physician, dietician
and if required psychologist
• Treatment of underlying chronic illness
• Immunisation as per schedule

6. Follow up
• Usually 6-9 months required for catch up growth
• Height restoration takes long time compared to
weight
• Monthly anthropometric assessment
• Developmental assessment – monthly
• Treatment failure – not started achieving catch up
with in 2 months
• Evaluate for organic cause in treatment failure