Infant Development: Milestones and Changes

Physiological Changes During Infancy

• Body weight triples from birth weight by the end of the first year.
• Body length increases by 50% during the first year.
• Body composition changes: water content decreases from 70% at birth to 60% by the end of infancy, making infants more vulnerable to dehydration.
• There is an increase in fat content to the body.
• Skeletal system develops during this period.

Motor Skill Development

• The first year is critical for motor skill development.
• Newborns initially lack head control but develop it over time.
• There are 6 milestones that represent the growth and development of the child including sitting without support.
• There is progressive development from uncontrolled movements to coordinated actions

Feeding Behavior Modifications

• Infants transition from simple sucking and swallowing reflexes at birth.
• Rooting reflex allows the baby to find the nipple
• The extrusion reflex helps prevent the baby from choking on foreign objects
• Development includes coordinated sucking, swallowing, and breathing.
• Development eventually can handle solid foods with chewing and swallowing.
• Changes in movement happen as the baby grows.
• The tongue movement changes from in and out to up and down.
• It is possible to start complementary feeding as these developments happen.

Brain Development

• Crucial brain development occurs in the first year of life.
• Adequate nutrition during this period is essential to prevent irreversible mental retardation.
• Nutritional deficits cause developmental delays that are hard to recover from later in life.

Gastrointestinal System

• The GI system is immature in infancy.
• There is limited capacity to digest food.
• Enzymes are produced in small quantities.
• Gastric emptying is slower in early months.

Growth Monitoring

• Monitoring growth through regular measurements is essential.
• Measurements like weight, length, and head circumference are tracked.
• Growth charts are used to assess a child's development.
• These growth charts reflect a child's growth and development.
• Consistent monitoring helps in addressing issues.

Growth Charts

• Growth charts help measure growth.
• Weight and height measurements are taken over a period of time.
• These measurements are plotted on growth charts.
• WHO charts are standard charts
• Pink charts are for girls
• Blue charts are for boys
• Monitoring of growth charts reflects the growth rate and development.

Steps for Growth Monitoring

• Plot the baby's current weight and height.
• Compare to standards for similar age.
• Interpret the chart to determine the baby's specific measurements.
• WHO growth charts allow for this analysis.

How to Interpret Growth Charts

• Interpret the data collected by referencing ranges on the chart.
• Check that the numbers are within acceptable ranges, to establish that the rate of growth is normal.
• The child is overweight id between 2-3 standard deviations.

Nutritional Requirements During Infancy

• Nutrition is essential for optimal growth in infancy.
• Energy, protein, and micronutrient needs are high.
• Early nutrition has long-lasting impacts on health.
• Deficiencies can have irreversible effects on growth.

Energy Requirements

• Energy intake should be balanced with energy expenditure.
• Energy needs are calculated based on growth and activity.
• Requirements change as the baby grows bigger.
• From 0-6 months, infants need 108 kcal/kg/day of energy.
• Infants, from 6-12 months need 98 kcal/kg/day.

Protein Requirements

• Protein needs are high per kilogram of body weight.
• Protein supports rapid tissue synthesis and growth.
• From 0-6 months, infants need 2.2 grams of protein per kg of weight.
• Infants, from 6-12 months need 1.6 grams of protein per kg of weight.
• Breastmilk provides less protein than formula.

Fat Requirements

• A high proportion of energy should come from fat.
• Lipids are essential for brain development and hormone synthesis.
• Fat aids in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Carbohydrate Requirements

• Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in infant diets.
• Provides a source of energy.
• AI for carbs in infants up to 6 months is 60g/day
• AI for carbs in infants 7-12 months is 95 g/day

Supplements

• Vitamin D for optimal bone development.
• Iron stores are built after birth.
• Iron supplements can help with brain protection.
• Fluoride promotes strong teeth.
• Premature infants might need additional supplements.
• During the first 6 months babies need supplements of Vitamin D.