Complementary Feeding

Question 1

Why is early infant feeding important?

Answer 1

It supports normal growth, motor skills development, and adult health

Infancy is a vulnerable period with high mortality and illness rates.

Question 2

Define complementary feeding.

Answer 2

The provision of any nutrient-containing foods or liquids other than breast milk or infant formula

Foote and Marriott (2002) describe weaning as essential for meeting changing nutritional needs.

Question 3

What are the nutritional needs that necessitate complementary feeding after 6 months?

Answer 3

Increased energy and iron

6-8 month old boys require approximately 600-660 kcal/day.

Question 4

What is the current guideline for introducing solid foods to an infant’s diet in the UK?

Answer 4

Solids should not be introduced until 6 months, with exclusive breastfeeding recommended for the first 6 months.

Question 5

What are the common practices regarding infant feeding in the UK?

Answer 5

Trends indicate some mothers introduce solids by 3 months, which is not aligned with recommendations.

Question 6

What dietary factors should be considered when planning an infant’s diet?

Answer 6

Nutritional needs, developmental stages, maturity of gut, and renal function.

Question 7

What suitable foods and drinks are recommended for infants aged 6 months and beyond?

Answer 7

Smooth purees, soft lumps, and finger foods, along with breast milk or formula

Vitamin A, C, and D supplements are recommended for breastfed infants.

Question 8

What common nutritional problems can occur in infancy?

Answer 8

Iron deficiency, failure to thrive, and adverse reactions to foods.

Question 9

What is the average birth weight in the UK?

Answer 9

7 lb 10 oz (3.49 kg).

Question 10

At what age is an infant’s birth weight typically doubled?

Answer 10

Around 4-6 months.

Question 11

What is the percentage increase in length during the first year of life?

Answer 11

Approximately 25%.

Question 12

What percentage of adult height is typically achieved in the first year?

Answer 12

About 50%.

Question 13

What factors affect the timing of introducing solid foods?

Answer 13

Nutritional needs, child development, gut maturity, renal function, and coordination skills.

Question 14

True or False: Weaning before 17 weeks can have adverse consequences.

Answer 14

True.

Question 15

What are suitable drinks for infants?

Answer 15

Breast milk, infant formula, or water should be the main drinks.

Question 16

What should not be added to infant food?

Answer 16

Salt.

Question 17

What age can infants start to consume cow’s milk products?

Answer 17

From 6 months.

Question 18

What are the recommended vitamin supplements for breastfed infants?

Answer 18

Vitamin D from birth, and vitamins A and C from 6 months.

Question 19

What should be monitored in infants to assess nutrition?

Answer 19

Growth monitoring, including weight and length measurements.

Question 20

List the suitable foods for infants aged 9-12 months.

Answer 20

• Hard finger foods
• Minced and chopped family foods
• Three different meals from 4 food groups.

Question 21

What is a key recommendation for feeding practices in infancy?

Answer 21

Encourage a variety of flavors and textures to promote acceptance of new foods.

Question 22

What are the iron intake recommendations for infants aged 4-6 months?

Answer 22

4.3 mg/d.

Question 23

What can lead to iron deficiency anaemia in infants?

Answer 23

• Exclusive breastfeeding beyond 6 months
• Low iron content in complementary foods
• High consumption of dietary inhibitors.

Question 24

What should be the approach to introducing foods containing peanuts and eggs?

Answer 24

They can be introduced from around 6 months.

Question 25

What is the main focus of complementary feeding?

Answer 25

To provide a variety of flavors and soft textures while continuing milk feeding.