Nutrition and feeding Flashcards

1
Q

Why are nutrients important for babies?

A

Children’s brains are developing rapidly so they need food rich in vitamins and minerals. They may not develop to their full potential without the right nutrients.

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2
Q

What are the nutritional requirements?

A
  • Energy
  • Proteins
  • Fats
  • Carbohydrates
  • Vitamins and minerals
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3
Q

Why is energy important?

A

Infants have high energy needs per unit of body weight to support rapid growth and development

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4
Q

Why is protein important?

A

Essential for the growth, development and the functioning of the immunisation system. Breast milk and formula provide adequate protein

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5
Q

Why are fats important?

A

Critical for brain development. Found in breast milk and many infant formulas

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6
Q

Why are carbohydrates important?

A

The main source of energy in an infant’s diet, primarily provided by lactose in breast milk and formula

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7
Q

Why are vitamins and minerals important?

A

important for growth and development. For instance, Vitamin D is essential for bone health and iron is important for brain development

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8
Q

Why choose breast milk?

A
  • Provides the ideal balance of nutrients tailored to the infant’s developmental needs and changes in composition over time to meet the baby’s growing requirements
  • Contains antibodies that protect against diseases and infections
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9
Q

Why choose infant formula?

A

An alternative when breastfeeding is not possible. Scientifically developed to mimic breast milk’s nutritional profile. They’re fortified with necessary nutrients, and some specifically designed for those with allergies or other dietary needs

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10
Q

How do parents choose between breastfeeding or infant formula?

A

It comes down to personal preferences, medical considerations, informed choices and convenience. The decision is circumstantial

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11
Q

Name the stages of breast milk

A
  • Colostrum (Day 1 to Day 4)
  • Transitional Milk (Day 5 to Day 20)
  • Mature Milk (Day 20 onwards)
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12
Q

Describe the characteristics of the first stage of breast milk

A

Colostrum: thick, yellowish colour, rich in nutrients, antibodies and immune factors. Provides essential nutrients to newborns and helps strengthen their immune system

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13
Q

What are the health benefits of Colostrum?

A
  • Nutrition
  • Immune protection
  • Gut health: Helps establish a balance of gut bacteria in newborns, promoting digestive health and reduce risk of gastrointestinal issues
  • Bonding
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14
Q

What are the advantages of breastfeeding?

A
  • Optimal nutrition
  • Health benefits for the infant and mother
  • Emotional bonding
  • Economical: Less expensive
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15
Q

What are the disadvantages of breastfeeding?

A
  • Physically demanding
  • Dietary restrictions: Mothers might need to avoid certain foods, like caffeine, alcohol or seafood
  • Time and frequency
  • Work and lifestyle
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16
Q

What are the health benefits to the infant from breastfeeding?

A

Reduced risks of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It also provides immunological protection

17
Q

What are the health benefits to the mother from breastfeeding?

A

Lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers, type 2 cancers, and postpartum depression. It may also help in faster weight loss after birth

18
Q

What are the advantages of formula feeding?

A
  • Flexibility: Others can feed the baby
  • Dietary independence
  • Convenience: Easier for mothers who return to work or cannot breastfeed for medical reasons
  • Predictability: Easier to measure how much the baby is consuming
19
Q

What are the disadvantages of formula feeding?

A
  • Nutritional difference: Formula lacks the antibodies in breast milk
  • Preparation time and cost
  • Digestive issues: Constipation
  • Health implications: Formula-fed babies have a slightly higher risk of developing diabetes or obesity later in life
20
Q

When should solid foods be introduced to children?

A

Typically recommended around 6 months of age

21
Q

How do you know when babies are ready for solid foods?

A
  • Able to sit up with minimal support
  • Shows good neck and head control
  • Shows curiosity about food
  • Able to swallow food rather than push it back out onto the chin
22
Q

How should solid foods be introduced to babies?

A

Gradually, starting with iron-rich foods while continuing breastfeeding or formula feeding

23
Q

What are the 5 important types of nutrients?

A

Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fat, Vitamins, Minerals + Water

24
Q

What nutrient should first foods be filled with?

A

Rich in iron. Iron from breast milk or formula may no longer meet the baby’s growing needs. Examples are cereals, pureed meats, cooked and pureed beans or lentils

25
Q

What texture and type should first foods be?

A

Start with smooth, pureed foods and gradually move to thicker textures and then to small chunks as the baby develops the ability to chew

26
Q

What’s good about introducing allergenic foods early?

A

Peanuts, tree nuts, eggs and seafood can be started early to potentially reduce the risk of developing allergies. Always introduce one new food at a time and monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction

27
Q

What should be fed to babies from birth to 4 months?

A

Only breast milk or formula

28
Q

What should be fed to babies from 4 months to 6 months?

A

Breast milk or formula, pureed fruits and vegetables

29
Q

What should be fed to babies from 6 months to 8 months?

A

Add pureed meats, tofu, legumes or cereals

30
Q

What should be fed to babies from 8 months to 10 months?

A

Add cheese, mashed fruits, teething crackers and eggs

31
Q

What should be fed to babies from 10 months to 12 months?

A

Add soft-cooked vegetables, combination food and finger foods

32
Q

How should meal frequency be?

A

Start with one meal, then two, and gradually to three meals with two snacks by the first birthday

33
Q

What’s another way to call self-feeding?

A

Self-directed weaning

34
Q

How to expand a baby’s menu?

A

Gradually introduce a variety of foods from all groups to encourage a balanced diet and help the baby experience different flavours and textures

35
Q

What is the role of parents when it comes to their child’s eating habits?

A
  • Role model good food choices and eating behaviours
  • Provide food
  • Educate a healthy balanced diet
  • Establish clear guidelines on food choices and portion sizes
  • Encourage when children make healthy food choices
36
Q

What is the role of caregivers when it comes to the child’s eating habits?

A
  • Ensure children have access to nutritious foods and encourage healthy eating habits
  • Effective communication with parents is essential for caregivers to understand dietary preferences, restrictions or any needs
37
Q

What is the role of teachers when it comes to the children’s eating habits?

A
  • Educate students to develop healthy eating habits
  • Offer nutritious meals and snacks in cafeterias
  • Role model good food choices and eating behaviours
38
Q

How do you address picky eating?

A
  • Set a positive example (role modelling)
  • Offer a variety of food
  • Be patient and persistent
  • Make meals enjoyable by creating a positive mealtime environment
  • Involve children in meal preparation
  • Offer choices and flexibility within healthy options
  • Be creative with food presentation
  • Stay consistent with meal and snack times
  • Seek professional guidance if problem persists
39
Q

How does nutrition impact a child?

A

It’s a crucial aspect of development, impacting a child’s health, cognitive abilities and long-term well-being