Study Guide: Chapter 13 - Nutrition for Infants, Children, and Adolescents

Breastfeeding

Provides ideal nutrition, strengthens immunity, reduces risk of infections, and promotes mother-infant bonding.

Recommended Duration for Breastfeeding

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for at least one year.

Proper Latch & Positioning in Breastfeeding

Ensures a good latch helps prevent nipple pain and ensures efficient milk transfer.

Feeding Frequency for Newborns

Typically feeds every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times per day.

Signs of Adequate Intake

6+ wet diapers/day, steady weight gain, and satisfied behavior after feeding.

Avoiding Supplementation in Breastfeeding

Unless medically necessary, avoid formula supplementation to establish milk supply.

Common Challenges in Breastfeeding

Includes engorgement, sore nipples, low milk supply; solutions involve proper positioning, frequent feeding, and lactation support.

Timing for Introducing Solid Foods

Around 6 months, when the infant shows readiness such as sitting up and loss of tongue-thrust reflex.

First Foods for Infants

Single-ingredient pureed foods such as iron-fortified cereals, vegetables, fruits, and proteins.

Food Introduction Process

Introduce one new food at a time, waiting 3-5 days to monitor for allergies.

High-Risk Foods to Avoid for Infants

No honey before age 1 and avoid choking hazards like whole nuts and raw carrots.

Allergen Introduction in Infants

Peanut butter, eggs, and dairy can be introduced early to help prevent allergies.

Fluids for Infants

Breastmilk/formula exclusively for the first 6 months; no cow's milk before 1 year.

Juice Recommendations for Infants

Avoid juice before 12 months; limit to 4 oz/day afterward.

Water Introduction for Infants

Can be introduced after 6 months in small amounts.

Infant Formula Feeding

Should be iron-fortified and follow proper preparation and storage guidelines.

Avoiding Overfeeding Infants

Watch for hunger and fullness cues rather than feeding on a strict schedule.

Appetite Fluctuations in Early Childhood

Growth slows after infancy, leading to variable appetites.

Nutrient-Dense Foods for Young Children

Encourage whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy.

Picky Eating Strategies

Offer a variety of foods repeatedly; avoid pressure or force-feeding.

Balanced Meals for Young Children

Small, frequent meals with a mix of food groups.

Sugary Drinks Recommendations for Young Children

Encourage water and milk instead of juice and soda.

Caloric Needs for Middle Childhood (6-12 years)

Caloric needs range from 1,400-2,200 calories/day depending on activity level.

Balanced Diet for Middle Childhood

Includes lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

Caloric Needs for Adolescence (13-18 years)

Range from 1,800-3,200 calories/day due to growth spurts.

Nutrient-Dense Choices for Adolescents

Encourage over processed foods.

Underconsumed Food Groups in Ages 5-18

Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy.

Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Adolescents

Calcium, Vitamin D, Iron, Fiber, and Potassium.

Definition of Overweight in Youth

BMI at or above the 85th percentile but below the 95th percentile for age and sex.

Definition of Obesity in Youth

BMI at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex.

Health Risks of Overweight & Obesity

Increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and psychological issues.

Stage 1 of Obesity Treatment

Focus on healthy eating and activity habits; reduce sugary drinks and screen time.

Stage 2 of Obesity Treatment

Involves structured meal plans and 60+ minutes of physical activity daily.

Stage 3 of Obesity Treatment

Comprehensive multidisciplinary intervention with healthcare professionals.

Stage 4 of Obesity Treatment

Intensive programs for severe obesity, may include medications or surgery.

Obesity Prevention Strategy in Pregnancy & Infancy

Encourage healthy maternal weight gain and promote exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months.

Obesity Prevention in Early Childhood

Establish healthy eating habits, limit sugary snacks, and encourage outdoor play.

Obesity Prevention in Middle Childhood

Promote family meals and role modeling of healthy eating.

Obesity Prevention in Adolescence

Encourage nutrient-dense food choices, physical activity, and educate on portion control.

Conclusion on Nutrition and Growth

Proper nutrition from infancy through adolescence is critical for healthy growth and development.

Monitoring for Allergies in Infants

Introduce one new food at a time, with 3-5 days between introductions.

Signs of Readiness for Solid Foods

Sitting up, loss of tongue-thrust reflex, and interest in food.

Long-Term Health Outcomes from Nutrition

Understanding dietary needs, preventing deficiencies, and addressing obesity risks support health.

Encouraging Healthy Eating in Early Childhood

Offer variety, avoid pressure, and engage in enjoyable meals.

Daily Physical Activity for Young Children

Encourage outdoor play and limit screen time.

Serving Sizes for Young Children

Small and frequent meals with a balanced mix of food groups.

Transition to Solid Foods

Introduce iron-fortified cereals as first foods around 6 months.

Signs of Hunger in Infants

Crying, rooting, and sucking on hands.

Breastfeeding and Maternal Bonding

Breastfeeding promotes emotional and psychological bonding between mother and infant.

Nutrient Needs for Growth in Adolescence

Increased needs for calcium, vitamin D, iron, and protein.

Pediatric Nutrition Guidelines

Provide age-appropriate nutrition information and recommendations.

Effects of Overfeeding

Can lead to obesity and unhealthy eating patterns.

Avoiding Choking Hazards in Infants

No honey before age 1; avoid whole nuts and raw vegetables.

Infant Feeding Guidelines

Strictly breastmilk or formula for first 6 months; no cow's milk.

Challenges of Breastfeeding

Including low milk supply and sore nipples.

Encouraging Fluid Intake for Infants

Breastmilk/formula, limited juice, and small amounts of water after 6 months.

Monitoring Weight Gain in Infants

Steady weight gain is a sign of adequate intake.

Healthy Snack Options for Young Children

Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods.

Nutritional Education for Adolescents

Teach about balanced diets and healthy food choices.

Engaging Adolescents in Physical Activity

Encourage sports, activities, and limited screen time.

Family Mealtimes as a Strategy

Promote healthy eating and communication during meals.

Dairy Recommendations for Adolescents

Encouraging intake for calcium and vitamin D.

Long-Term Implications of Childhood Obesity

Increased risk of chronic illnesses in adulthood.

Healthy Maternal Weight Gain

Important during pregnancy to support infant growth.

Structure in Early Childhood Eating Habits

Establish regular mealtimes and healthy options.

Avoiding Limited Food Variety

Encourage exposure to a wide range of foods in different contexts.

Pediatric Recommendations on Juices

Limit juice consumption to encourage whole fruit intake.