Giving Proper Nutrition to Infants
Infant nutrition is critically important, as an infant typically triples his birth weight and increases his length by 50% in the first year of life alone! Without proper nutrition, this stage of enormous growth can be jeopardized. With this in mind, answer the questions below.
What are the energy (kcal) and protein requirements for an infant from age 0-6 months and 6 months to 1 year? How does this compare to your energy and protein intake? You will need to figure out your kcal and protein intake as g/kg/day to make this comparison.
The diet of an infant, prior to solid food introduction, consists of either breast milk or formula. When mothers make the choice of what to feed their child during this time, what factors come into play? For example, some cultures may be more accepting of breast feeding than others.
At what point is solid food recommended to be added to an infant's diet? Nutritionally speaking, why is this? Each infant is different, so how can it be determined when a certain infant is ready for solid foods?
During the first year of life, what are appropriate foods and beverages to serve to an infant? Are there any foods or beverages that should be avoided during this time?
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What are the energy (kcal) and protein requirements for an infant from age 0-6 months and 6 months to 1 year? How does this compare to your energy and protein intake? You will need to figure out your kcal and protein intake as g/kg/day to make this comparison.
The energy (kcal) for 0-6 months is 108 kcal/kg, then 98 kcal/kg for six months, and 102 kcal/kg for one year (Harmon, 2017). On the other hand, the Protein Requirements (gm/kg are 2.2 g/kg/day, 1.6 g/kg/day, and 1.2 g/kg/day for infants aged infant aged 0-6 months and six months to 1 year, respectively (Harmon, 2017). Therefore, the estimated daily caloric needs are 2200 to 2400 kcal/day, and the estimated protein intake is 50 g//day.The diet of an infant, prior to solid food introduction, consists of either breast milk or formula. When mothers make the choice of what to feed their child during this time, what factors come into play? For example, some cultures may be more accepting of breast feeding than others.
Breast milk has superior nutritional composition and is easier to digest, providing essential nutrients (Prentice et al., 2016). Such nutrients include lactose, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Culture influences the choice, and breastfeeding is more common in non-western societies and is believed to be better for infants than formula milk. Another factor is cost and when the formula milk is low cost. Using the formula is more common, mostly in the urban centers where it is available. Infant formula lacks the enzymes found in breast milk contains enzymes, and there is no transmission of antibodies to improve immunity. However, infant formula is convenient, and anyone can feed the child beside the mother while allowing flexibility in mothers. There are less frequent feedings when using the formula, there is slower digestion. Mothers can also choose their preferred diet without affecting the baby.
Pediatricians tend to recommend exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life. Breast milk reduces the risk of obesity and diabetes. As such, one of the conc...