Infants

Question 1

Growth in Infancy

Answer 1

Babies grow quickly: muscles, brain, coordination, speech, and self-feeding abilities (like chewing and swallowing).
Energy needs increase because of this growth.

Babies can naturally regulate how much they eat as long as they’re growing normally.

Question 2

Feeding a Newborn

Answer 2

Best food for newborns: Breast milk is the most nutritious option.

Question 3

Breastfeeding

Answer 3

Benefits of breastfeeding:
-Lowers risk of allergies, digestive infections, and chronic diseases later.

• Helps with brain development (higher IQ).
  Reduces risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Question 4

Formula Feeding

Answer 4

Formula is an option if breastfeeding isn’t possible or chosen.

Reasons for formula feeding:
-Health issues (e.g., mom can’t produce milk, premature birth, medications, etc.).

Convenience: Bottle feeding is easier and works for some families.
No shame in formula feeding.

Question 5

How Much Does a Newborn Need to Eat?

Answer 5

A newborn’s stomach is tiny (about the size of a walnut).

-They need about 15-30 mL at a time.
-Feed babies when they seem hungry.

-Every 3 hours (about 8 times/day).
Signs of enough food: Baby is gaining weight and having enough dirty diapers (especially with breastfed babies).

Question 6

Nutritional Needs of a Breastfeeding Mother

Answer 6

Breastfeeding benefits moms too:

Lowers risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Reduces the risk of obesity.

-What the mom eats affects the baby through breast milk, so avoid:
Alcohol, mercury (e.g., tuna), trans fats, and too much caffeine.

Question 7

Transitioning to Solid Foods
(Around 6 months)

Answer 7

At 6 months, start introducing solid foods like:
Baby cereals, pureed or mashed foods (babies don’t have teeth yet, so no chewing).

Gradually add more finger foods as babies develop more teeth.

Cultural differences:
In some cultures, babies start with spicy foods, while in North America, it’s usually bland.

Question 8

Food Allergies

Answer 8

Introduce one food at a time and wait a few days to check for any allergic reactions.

Question 9

Colostrum

Answer 9

The first milk produced; rich in antibodies that protect the baby.
By day 5, moms produce regular breast milk, which changes to fit the baby’s needs.