Chapter 11: Nutrition During Infancy, Childhood, Adolescence

Infancy growth needs

Require nutrition and psychosocial support for proper growth.

Growth charts

Used to track weight-for-age and height-for-age.

Energy needs (infants)

80–120 kcal/kg/day during first 3 years.

Fat needs 1–3 yrs

30–40% of total calories.

Fat needs 4–18 yrs

25–35% of total calories.

Protein needs (first 6 months)

1.52 g/kg per day.

Infant water needs

Higher per kg than adults.

Key infant minerals

Calcium for bones; iron for hemoglobin and cognition.

Vitamin K

Given at birth to prevent bleeding.

Vitamin D supplement

Recommended daily for infants.

Term infant

Born between 37–42 weeks.

Preterm infant

Born before 37 weeks gestation.

LBW infant

Birth weight < 2500 g.

VLBW infant

Birth weight < 1500 g.

ELBW infant

Birth weight < 1000 g.

AGA

Appropriate for gestational age.

LGA

Large for gestational age.

SGA

Small for gestational age.

Premature infant feeding

May require special formulations and feeding methods.

Breastfeeding

Ideal nutrition for the first year of life.

Infant formula

Acceptable substitute when breastfeeding not possible.

Weaning

Gradual transition from breast milk to solid foods.

Solid foods start

Around 6 months of age.

Cow’s milk introduction

After 1 year of age.

Infant feeding rules

No honey before 12 months; avoid choking hazards; no juice before 6 months.

Fluoride needs

May supplement at 6 months if water supply is low.

Toddlers eating

Increase food variety; sweets for special occasions only.

Preschool eating

Food habits form; food jags are normal.

School-age influences

Parents, peers, screen time, school lunches.

Common childhood issues

Failure to thrive, anemia, obesity, lead poisoning.

Adolescent growth

Rapid growth at puberty; diet affects peak bone mass.

Adolescent eating influences

Parents, peers, alcohol, body image.

Eating disorders

Linked to social and family pressures.