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## Nutrition ### Nutrition in Infants - Breast milk provides the best nutrition for infants and breastfeeding should be encouraged for all mothers during the child's first year, with solid food added during the last 6 months. - If formula is used, it should be iron-fortified, and cow's milk must b...

## Nutrition ### Nutrition in Infants - Breast milk provides the best nutrition for infants and breastfeeding should be encouraged for all mothers during the child's first year, with solid food added during the last 6 months. - If formula is used, it should be iron-fortified, and cow's milk must be avoided until after 1 year because it can cause bleeding and anemia because of immaturity of the digestive tract. **Feeding Amounts** - **First month:** Eats about every 2-3 hours, taking 60-90 ml per feeding. - **2-4 months:** Eats about every 3-4 hours, taking 90-120 ml per feeding. - **4-6 months:** Eats 4-5 times daily, taking 100-150 ml per feeding. Often begins rice cereal at 4 months, 1-2 tablespoons 1-2 times daily before formula or breastfeeding, increasing to 1/4 cup 2 times daily by 6 months. Rice cereal contains iron and has low allergenic potential and is easy to digest. - **6-12 Months** - As the child begins to eat other foods at 6-12 months, milk must remain part of the nutrition, either breast milk or iron-fortified formula. - **6-8 months:** Eats 4 times daily, 160-225 ml per feeding. Now having rice cereal, fruits, and vegetables with meals, with foods introduced one at a time about 23 days apart to observe for allergies. - **8-10 months**: Eats 4 times daily, taking 160 ml per feeding. Meats may gradually be added at this time, but are harder to digest and may cause indigestion in some children. Eats finger foods, such as soft pieces of vegetables, cheese, tofu, cereals and meat sticks. - **10-12 months**: Eats 4 times daily, taking about 160-225 ml per feeding. Usually weaning from breast or bottle and begins using "sippy" cup with lid. Is able to eat most soft foods with rest of the family and continues to enjoy finger foods. Makes attempts to self-feed with spoon. ### Nutrition for Toddlers and Preschoolers - Growth begins to slow for the toddler and preschooler, but nutritional demands remain high because of the child's increased size and activity. - During these years, children still need milk, but intake should not exceed 1 quart daily. - Children usually eat 3 meals and 2 snacks, the same foods as the rest of the family, learning eating habits from parents. - Two different phenomena may occur: - *Physiologic anorexia* occurs when high metabolic demands of infancy slow and toddlers have periods when they eat little; however, if intake is averaged over days or weeks, it is adequate. - *Food jags* are common with preschoolers, days or even weeks when they refuse all but one or two foods. Studies have indicated that children seem to suffer no ill effects, so forcing the child to eat other food isn't necessary. However, other foods should be offered until child resumes a more normal diet. ### Common Diet Deficiencies - **Calcium:** Calcium is essential for the growth and development of bones, but children, especially teenagers, are increasingly substituting fruit juice and sodas for milk. This can cause fractures and osteomalacia with eventual osteoporosis as an adult. Recommended daily intake for adolescents is 1500mg.