Infancy 3 Flashcards
What are the 5 key developmental milestones that indicate an infant is ready for complementary foods?
Sits independently with good head control.
Tracks food with eyes and opens mouth.
Closes lips over a spoon and moves food to the back of the mouth.
Shows disinterest or turns away when full.
Shows interest in food by leaning forward when offered food.
When should complementary feeding begin, and why?
Between 4-6 months (not before 4 months, no later than 6 months).
Provides additional energy and nutrients needed for growth.
Supports development of oral and motor skills for eating.
Allows exploration of new textures and flavors.
How should complementary foods be structured in the infant’s diet?
6-8 months: 2-3 meals + 1-2 snacks per day.
9-11 months: 3 meals + 1-2 snacks per day.
12+ months: 2 meals + 2-3 snacks per day.
Offer iron-rich foods first, followed by 2-3 complementary foods
Why should iron-rich foods be prioritized in complementary feeding?
Breastmilk has low iron content, and stores are depleted by 6 months.
Prevents iron deficiency anemia, which can impair cognitive development.
Supports rapid growth and brain development.
What are 3 examples of iron-rich complementary foods?
Heme iron sources (best absorbed): meat, poultry, fish.
Non-heme iron sources: iron-fortified cereals, lentils, tofu, beans.
Iron absorption enhancers: Vitamin C-rich foods (fruits, vegetables).
How should food textures progress from 6-12 months?
6-9 months: Pureed and mashed foods.
9-12 months: Soft-cooked, lumpy, minced, or finely chopped foods.
>12 months: Regular family foods, appropriately modified to prevent choking.
Why is it important to introduce lumpy textures before 9-12 months?
Helps with oral and motor skill development.
Prevents feeding difficulties and texture aversion later on.
What are 5 key food safety guidelines to reduce choking risk?
Cook foods until soft and squishable.
Shred meats, keep moist.
Serve hard foods as thin strips instead of chunks.
Cut round foods (e.g., grapes, hotdogs) into quarters.
Avoid whole nuts, popcorn, hard candies until age 4.
What is the Division of Responsibility (DoR) in infant feeding?
Parent’s role: What, when, and where food is offered.
Child’s role: Whether to eat and how much to eat.
How can caregivers practice responsive feeding?
Offer food in a calm, positive environment.
Recognize hunger and satiety cues.
Avoid force-feeding, bribing, or using food as a reward/punishment.
Encourage self-feeding and exploration of textures and flavors.
What is baby-led weaning (BLW)?
Infants self-feed soft, appropriately sized pieces of food instead of purees.
No spoons or purees, just family foods.
Infants regulate their intake and explore different textures.
What are the 3 potential benefits of baby-led weaning?
Encourages self-feeding skills and independence.
Supports oral and motor development.
May reduce picky eating later on.
What are the potential 3 risks of baby-led weaning?
Higher choking risk if inappropriate foods/textures are given.
Lower iron intake if parents do not prioritize iron-rich foods.
Messier and less controlled than spoon-feeding.
How can caregivers help prevent food allergies?
Introduce allergenic foods early (around 6 months).
Offer small amounts regularly (e.g., peanut butter, eggs, fish).
Infants at higher risk (family history of allergies, eczema) may need supervision from a healthcare provider.
What are the 9 most common food allergens in infants?
Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, sesame.
What is the difference between choking vs. gagging in infants?
Gagging: Normal reflex to move food to the front of the mouth. No silence or distress.
Choking: Airway is blocked, silent or gasping, needs intervention.
What 5 foods should NOT be given to infants under 1 year?
Honey (risk of botulism).
Unpasteurized dairy or juices (bacteria risk).
Undercooked eggs, meats, fish (infection risk).
Raw sprouts (bacterial contamination risk).
Sugary drinks and processed foods.
When can cow’s milk be introduced, and why?
After 9-12 months, when baby is eating iron-rich foods regularly.
Before 9 months: Risk of iron deficiency anemia due to low iron in cow’s milk.
Use whole milk (not 1%, 2%, or skim) for proper fat intake.
What are acceptable milk alternatives for toddlers?
Fortified whole goat’s milk (must have folic acid + vitamin D).
Breastmilk or formula if continuing beyond 1 year.
Soy, almond, oat, or other plant-based milks are not recommended unless fortified and approved by a healthcare provider.
What are 4 key feeding recommendations for toddlers (1-2 years)?
Continue breastfeeding or offer 500mL whole cow’s milk daily.
Provide 2 servings of dairy and vitamin D-rich foods.
Offer balanced meals and snacks, following Canada’s Food Guide.
Continue responsive feeding, allowing the child to decide how much to eat.
