Infancy and early childhood

Infancy and Childhood

The first two years of life are critical for establishing eating behaviors.

Enzyme Systems

When an infant is born, their enzyme systems aren’t at full capability.

Initial Stool Color in Infants

Sticky greenish-black poop at first changes to loose, seedy yellow in breastfed infants.

Solid Food Introduction Too Early

Can lead to diarrhea, food allergies, undernutrition, and increased morbidity.

Consequences of Late Solid Food Introduction

Affects growth, immune protection, increases diarrhea disease and malnutrition.

Nutrition 'Gap'

Emerges around 4-6 months, particularly regarding iron.

Birth Weight Factors

Determined by gestation length, maternal pre-pregnancy weight, and weight gain during pregnancy.

Newborn Weight Loss

Newborns lose 5-10% of birth weight initially, regaining within 2-3 weeks.

Growth Milestones at 12 Months

By 12 months, weight typically triples and length increases significantly.

Breastfed vs Formula-fed Infants

Formula-fed infants may have increased resting energy expenditure due to higher fat-free mass.

Growth Measurements

Includes weight, length, head circumference, mid-arm circumference, and skinfold thickness.

WHO Growth Charts

Reflect optimal growth for children predominantly breastfed, used up to 5 years.

CDC Growth Charts

Reference growth values based on US children, used up to 19 years.

Growth Patterns in Early Childhood

Growth slows between 1-5 years, leading to fluctuating appetite.

Consistent Percentile Growth

Key to monitoring growth; crossing 2 percentiles downwards is a concern.

Serial Measurements Timing

Important to conduct regular measurements, monthly for the first 6 months, then bi-monthly.

Key Nutrients for Infants

Reflect basal metabolic needs, growth rates, energy expenditure, and illness.

Protein Requirements for Infants

Higher in infants than older children/adults due to rapid growth.

Fat Intake for Infants

Should make up 30-50% of energy intake; essential fatty acids support growth.

Micronutrient Needs

Iron, zinc, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin C are crucial for infant health.

Weaning Diet Guidelines

Foods should start being introduced at around 6 months, prioritizing iron-rich options.

Feeding Milestones by Age

Progress from primitive sucking to self-feeding and using utensils by 12+ months.

Fussy Eating in Toddlers

Normal behavior; strategies include small portions and repeated exposure to foods.

Common Food Allergens

Milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish are prevalent allergens.

Preventing Food Allergies Strategy

Introduce allergenic foods early; regular exposure reduces allergy risk.

Meeting Nutritional Needs

Infants require sufficient protein and toddlers need to balance milk intake to prevent iron deficiency.

Introduction of New Foods

Introduce one food at a time every 4-5 days, avoiding added salt and sugar.