Nutrition through the Lifecycle - Early years Flashcards
Why is adequate nutrition during the first year of life important?
- growth occurs more rapidly than at any other stage of life
- eating/dietary habits are formed at this age
- aids cognitive and motor development
- aids digestive system maturation
What are some factors associated with infant mortality?
- maternal health
- socio-economical status
- ethnicity/racial group
- access to medical care
- teenage pregnancy
- multiple births
describe the term ‘weaning’.
weening describes the process of transitioning from a milk only diet to the inclusion of solid foods
When should weening begin?
After 6 months
definitely not before 4 months
What measures are used to measure child growth?
- weight
- length
- head circumference
What does the percentile graph show?
a child’s size compared to children of the same age who have shown optimal growth
What are some common reasons to begin weaning?
What signs might a baby show to indicate they are ready for solid food?
- physical signs e.g., baby putting fist in mouth
- not gaining adequate weight
- mother can establish a work/life balance e.g., partner can feed baby
- hunger signs e.g., baby may not be satisfied at end of feeding
- marketing manipulation e.g., baby food advertised for 4+ months
what are 3 developmental signs that a baby is ready to start weaning?
- baby can sit upright and hold their head up
- good hand, eye, mouth co-ordination
- baby can swallow food (baby that is not ready will spit food out)
What are the two types of weaning?
- spoon fed
- baby led
What are some benefits of baby led weaning?
- infants can develop better appetite regulation
- infants become familiar with family mealtimes
What is a consequence of late weaning?
- when should new flavours and textures be introduced?
infants miss a sensitive period where they are more accepting of new flavours and textures.
lumpy textures should be introduced by 9 months
What are some pitfalls of weaning?
- start too early or late
- imbalance between amount of food and amount of milk
- inappropriate foods given e.g., high salt, sugar
- not encouraging baby to use own appetite regulation skills
What foods should be encouraged for a child under 1 year?
- fruit
- veg
- beans
- pulses
- yogurt
- eggs
- lean meats and chicken
What foods should be avoided for a child under 1 year?
- salt
- high sugar
- honey
- unpasteurised soft cheeses
- shellfish
- undiluted fruit juice
What foods should be avoided if weaning between 6 months - 1 year?
why?
Common allergenic foods:
- nuts (peanuts, nuts and seeds)
- cows milk
- fish
- egg
- wheat
believed that early exposure to allergenic foods will cause sensitisation and development of allergies.
What is a consequence of delaying exposure to lumpy foods?
affects child’s food acceptance and feeding up to 7 years of age
What are some advantages and disadvantages of shop-bought baby food?
disadvantages:
- costly
- higher sugar/salt
- can increase risk of childhood obesity
advantages:
- known to be safe/no pesticides
- convenient
- similar nutrient content to homemade
Make some suggestions for new parents who don’t have the skills/time to make food for their baby
- make double batches of food
- go to a parents cooking class
- use quick and easy sources of wholegrains e.g., cous cous/rice
What is the advice for infants regarding juices?
- given from a cup or beaker, not a bottle
- diluted in at least 10 parts water
- given at mealtimes to protect dental health
What is the fluid requirement for:
- newborn - 6 month old?
- 7 - 12 month old?
- 12 - 24 month old?
- 700ml per day
- 800ml per day
- 1.25L per day
What are the recommended amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fat and protein in an infants diet?
similar to adults
carbohydrates - 50% energy
fat - 35% energy
protein - 15% energy
Why is an iron rich diet important during weaning?
iron store is sufficient until about 6 months due to breast/formula feeding.
when introducing solid foods, iron deficiency is a risk.
What role does Vitamin D play in the infant diet?
What are the recommendations regarding Vit D intake?
bone health and immune support
decreasing the risk of rickets, which is re-emerging in children
breastfed babies should be given a supplement of 8.5-10 micrograms/day
What is the role of Vitamin A in the infant diet?
What is the upper limit for Vit A intake?
immune support, eyesight and healthy growth
no more than 900 micrograms/day
