Infant Nutrition and Feeding Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

For how long is human milk recommended to support an infant's nutrient needs?

6 months (correct)

24 months

3 months

12 months

What is specifically needed as a supplement for infants fed human milk exclusively or mixed fed?

Iron

Folic Acid

Vitamin D (correct)

Calcium

Which of the following foods should be introduced to infants around 6 months?

High-sugar cereals

Processed snacks

Nutrient-dense complementary foods (correct)

High-sodium meals

What is the recommended action if human milk is unavailable for feeding an infant?

Feed with iron-fortified commercial infant formula Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when considering foods for infants?

Foods with added sugars Signup and view all the answers

Which agency regulates the commercial infant formula recommended for use when human milk is unavailable?

FDA Signup and view all the answers

What should parents ensure about donor human milk availability?

It should be from a source that has screened its donors. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT recommended regarding the introduction of complementary foods?

Waiting until after 6 months to introduce foods Signup and view all the answers

What types of foods should be introduced at about 6 months of age?

Iron-rich foods and a variety of foods from all food groups Signup and view all the answers

Which food group should be avoided before 12 months of age?

Cow milk as a beverage Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason to limit added sugars in a child's diet?

Young children typically have no dietary room for added sugars. Signup and view all the answers

Why should honey be avoided for infants?

It can contain Clostridium botulinum, which is harmful. Signup and view all the answers

At what age can plain cow milk be introduced as a beverage?

12 months Signup and view all the answers

What type of milk alternatives should not be used in the first year of life?

Plant-based milk alternatives like almond or rice milk Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended limit for fruit juice intake in the second year of life?

4 ounces per day Signup and view all the answers

Which beverages should be avoided for children younger than age 2?

Sugar-sweetened beverages Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended exclusive feeding approach for infants during the first 6 months of life?

Exclusively feed infants human milk Signup and view all the answers

What should be provided to infants soon after birth?

Supplemental vitamin D Signup and view all the answers

At what age should infants start being introduced to complementary foods?

At 6 months Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended regarding the introduction of potentially allergenic foods?

Introduce allergenic foods alongside other complementary foods Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feeding recommendation for infants and toddlers?

Encourage a variety of foods from all food groups Signup and view all the answers

When human milk is unavailable, what should be used to feed infants during the first year?

Iron-fortified infant formula Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested feeding approach for infants beyond one year of age?

Continue with human milk if desired Signup and view all the answers

What document should be referenced if one intends to reproduce content from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans?

The permission to use statement Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign that an infant is ready to begin solid foods?

Control over head and neck Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is recommended to prevent choking risks when introducing solid foods?

Offering foods in the appropriate size, consistency, and shape Signup and view all the answers

When should potentially allergenic foods be introduced to an infant's diet?

When other complementary foods are introduced Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended age for introducing cow's milk as a beverage?

12 months Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended age range for introducing peanut-containing foods to infants at high risk for peanut allergy?

4 to 6 months Signup and view all the answers

Which food items should be introduced in the first year to reduce the risk of developing food allergies?

Peanuts and related products Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when encouraging the consumption of complementary foods and beverages for infants?

They should be rich in nutrients Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for caregivers to consult healthcare providers before introducing peanut-containing foods to high-risk infants?

To receive tailored advice for the infant's health Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about caffeine intake for infants and toddlers?

No safe limits have been established. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of toddlers' eating habits is emphasized in relation to their future food choices?

Early food preferences influence later food choices. Signup and view all the answers

Who plays a crucial role in the nutrition of infants and toddlers?

Parents, guardians, and caregivers. Signup and view all the answers

Why are the signs of hunger and fullness important for young children?

They help children develop self-reliance in eating. Signup and view all the answers

Which program is specifically designed for women, infants, and children to support nutrition?

WIC Signup and view all the answers

What does the document suggest is important to incorporate in toddlers' diets?

Nutrient-dense foods. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended intake approach for toddlers aged 12 to 23 months?

Healthy U.S.-Style Dietary Patterns. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key message for caregivers regarding toddler feeding practices?

Caregivers need to set a positive example for eating. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025

Intended for nutrition and health professionals
Life-stage specific presentation
Can be used as a standalone presentation or combined with other slides
Permission to use:
- Content, figures, graphs, tables are in the public domain
- Photos/illustrations in Figures 1-8 & 1-9 are in the public domain
- Other photos/illustrations require no permission but should be used as designed & properly cited
Recommended citation: U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. DietaryGuidelines.gov

Infants & Toddlers: Key Recommendations

Exclusively feed infants human milk for first 6 months
Continue feeding human milk for at least first year, or longer
If human milk is unavailable, feed iron-fortified infant formula
Provide supplemental vitamin D soon after birth
Introduce nutrient-dense complementary foods at around 6 months
Introduce infants to potentially allergenic foods along with other complementary foods
Encourage infants and toddlers to eat a variety of foods from all food groups, rich in iron and zinc
Avoid foods and beverages with added sugars and limit sodium

Putting the Key Recommendations Into Action

0-23 months old

Feed Infants Human Milk for the First 6 Months, if Possible

Human milk provides nutrients, bio-active substances, and immunologic properties that support infant health
Feed infants iron-fortified infant formula if human milk is unavailable
Homemade and improperly regulated infant formulas should not be used
Take precautions to ensure proper handling and storage of expressed human milk and infant formula
Donor human milk should only be obtained from screened sources who follow safety precautions

Supplemental Vitamin D

All infants, including those exclusively fed human milk or receiving a mixture of human milk and formula, need vitamin D supplementation of 400 IU per day soon after birth
Supplemental needed if not getting full formula feeds, due to fortifying of formula with Vitamin D
Young children may need to continue supplementation after age 12, consult with healthcare professional

Introduce Nutrient-Dense Complementary Foods at About 6 Months

Complementary foods complement human milk and infant formula to ensure adequate nutrition
Some infants show developmental signs of readiness before 6 months, but it is not recommended introducing complementary foods before 4 months, or after 6 months
Important to include iron and zinc rich foods for infants fed human milk
Introduce age and developmentally appropriate foods to prevent choking

Readiness for Beginning Solid Foods

Signs of readiness include control of head and neck, sitting, bringing objects to mouth, attempting to grasp objects, and swallowing rather than pushing food back out
Developmentally appropriate foods are crucial to prevent choking

Introduce Potentially Allergenic Foods When Other Complementary Foods Are Introduced

Delaying introduction of allergenic foods isn't supported by evidence
Introduce foods like peanuts, egg, cow's milk, tree nuts, wheat, crustacean shellfish, fish, and soy at the time other complementary foods are introduced
Introducing peanut-containing foods in the first year can reduce risk of peanut allergy
Provide cow's milk as a beverage at age 12 months or later

Infants at High Risk for Peanut Allergy

If severe eczema, or egg allergy (or both) are presented as an infant, introduce age-appropriate peanut-containing foods at 4-6 months to reduce the risk of developing peanut allergy
Caregivers of high-risk infants should consult healthcare professionals before feeding peanut-containing foods

Encourage Consumption of a Variety of Complementary Foods

Complementary foods and beverages should be nutrient-rich, meet calorie and nutrient requirements, and are limited with added sugars and sodium
Introduce iron-rich foods (e.g., meats, seafood, iron-fortified cereals), zinc-rich foods (e.g., meats, beans, fortified cereals), and a variety of foods from all food groups (knowing it could take up to 8-10 exposures for a child to accept new foods)

A Nutrient-dense, Diverse Diet from Age 6 through 23 Months

Protein foods, including meats and poultry, eggs, seafood, nuts, soy, etc. are important sources of iron, zinc, protein, choline, and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
Include vegetables and fruits high in potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C
Beans, peas, and lentils provide good protein and dietary fiber
Introduce yogurt and cheese(including soy) before 12 months of age; do not introduce whole or fortified cow milk before 12 months
Grains, including iron-fortified infant cereals play an important role during this life stage

Dietary Components to Limit

Avoid added sugars—young children don't need added sugars in their diets
Avoid foods high in sodium—preferences for salty food can be developed early in life
Avoid honey and unpasteurized foods/beverages—can contain Clostridium botulinum (causing illness or death in infants)

Establish a Healthy Beverage Pattern

Offer small amounts of plain, fluoridated water with complementary foods. Do not provide cow milk or fortified soy beverages before 12 months to replace human milk or infant formula
Introduce plain cow's milk (whole milk) as a beverage at around 12 months to help meet calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein needs
Plant-based alternatives (like rice, oat, coconut, almond) and 100% fruit/vegetable juices should not be given to infants in the first year of life; and for the second year of life, 100% fruit juices are not needed; if consumed, limit to 4 ounces or less per day;
Sugar-sweetened beverages should not be given to children under age 2
Toddler milk or drinks containing added sugars are not needed

Healthy Dietary Pattern During the Toddler's Second Year of Life

Healthy U.S. Style Dietary Pattern: Toddlers Ages 12 Through 23 Months Who Are No Longer Receiving Human Milk or Infant Formula

Provide calorie levels for different food groups

Make Healthy Shifts to Empower Toddlers to Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods in Dietary Patterns

Early preference for food can influence long term choices
Make healthy choices to support toddlers long-term health and well-being

Current Intakes: 12 Through 23 Months

Average daily food consumption for toddlers
Comparison with recommended intake ranges
Show data on added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium

Average Intakes of Subgroups Compared to Recommended Intake Ranges

Supporting Healthy Eating

Parents, guardians, and caregivers are crucial in feeding infants and toddlers correctly
Learn when a child is hungry and full

Resources

Federal programs like WIC, CACFP, SNAP, and Head Start provide support for nutrition needs of families

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Description

This quiz covers essential topics related to infant nutrition, including breastfeeding recommendations, food introduction schedules, and guidelines for supplementation. Test your knowledge on what to feed infants, the regulation of infant formulas, and important precautions to take with infant diets.