FSHN 3620 • Exam 2 SG: Ch. 8/9

Infant Nutrition

Assessment of newborn health

Indicators

1. Gestational age

2. Birthweight

3. Length

4. Head circumference

Preterm: <37 weeks

Term: 37-40 weeks

Reading and interpreting appropriate growth charts for infants

Appropriate for gestational age (AGA)

• Small for gestational age (SGA) – below 10%

• Large for gestational age (LGA) – above 90%

Physical, motor, and cognitive development in infancy

Physical Growth

1. Genetic 

2. Hormonal 

3. Nutritional 

4. Environmental

• 2x birth weight by 4-6 mo

• 3x birth weight by 1 yr

• Head circumference increase 30%

Motor Development

Critical periods: fixed times during which certain behaviors emerge that are necessary for sequential learning of skills; if missed, increase risk of difficulty later

• Premature infants may struggle with oral feeding

At what age should an infant be able to sit without assistance? → 7 mo.

Nutrition and feeding needs in infancy

Infant requirements for many nutrients are 2-3X more than adults per kg of body weight

• 80-120 kcal/kg body weight

Factors impacting needs:

• Weight, growth rate, sleep/wake cycle, physical activity, temperature, physical activity, health status, recovery from illness, etc.

Protein

• Birth-6 mo: 1.52 g/kg

• 7-12 mo: 1.2 g/kg

Fat

• essential for energy to liver, brain, & muscles

• AI

  • 0-6 mo: 31 g/day

  • 7-12 mo: 30 g/day

Vitamin K injection to prevent deficiency bleeding

B12 if mother is vegetarian

Calcium — 70% absorbed from breast milk

Zinc — high bioavailability from breast milk

Iron — high bioavailability in breast milk

• Supplement preterm 2-4 mg/kg until 12 mo

• Supplement breast-fed after 4-6 mo

Weaning, first foods, complementary foods, and development of feeding skills

Common infant nutrition concerns

Development, assessment, and nutrient needs of infants with special healthcare needs

Infant allergies