Nutritional Requirements During Infancy Flashcards
By what age does an infant’s birth weight typically double?
By 4 months
When does an infant’s birth weight typically triple?
By 1 year
How many calories per kilogram per day do infants need between 3-12 months?
95 to 83 cal/kg per day
How do infants’ energy requirements compare to adults?
Infants require more energy per pound compared to adults
By what percentage does an infant’s length increase during the first year?
By 50%
What is the protein requirement for infants 0-6 months?
1.52 g/kg daily
What is the protein requirement for infants 6+ months?
1.2 g/kg daily
What percentage of an infant’s daily caloric intake should come from protein?
Protein should not exceed 20% of daily caloric intake
Why should protein intake not exceed 20% of daily calories in infants?
Due to immature renal function
What does breast milk contain that supports infant health?
Living cells, hormones, active enzymes, and antibodies
How does breast milk support infant kidney function?
It has a low mineral content that supports immature kidneys
What fatty acids in breast milk aid brain and retinal development?
Long-chain fatty acids (ARA, DHA)
What is the benefit of high cholesterol in breast milk?
It supports infant growth
How does breast milk benefit oral health?
It promotes optimal orofacial development and reduces orthodontic needs by 40%
How long is exclusive breastfeeding recommended?
At least 4 months
When should vitamin D be supplemented in breastfed infants?
By 2 months
When should iron-rich foods be introduced to breastfed infants?
After 6 months
When should fluoride supplements be delayed in breastfed infants?
Until 6 months
Can artificial infant milk fully replicate human milk?
No, it cannot fully replicate human milk
What is the base of artificial infant milk?
Nonfat cow’s milk, modified to include DHA
How many calories does artificial infant milk provide per ounce?
20 cal/oz
What does the American Dental Association recommend for mixing powder formula?
Use fluoride-free water
What type of formula does the ADA recommend to reduce the risk of fluorosis?
Raedy-to-use formula
What is a common alternative to cow’s milk for infants with allergies?
Soy-based formula
What type of formula is designed for easier digestion?
Hypoallergenic formula
When should formula be discontinued for infants?
At age 1, transitioning to whole milk until age 2
What age range is ideal for introducing single-grain cereals?
4-6 months
What is the first food typically introduced to infants?
Single-grain cereals (rice, oat, barley)
How much formula should an infant consume daily at 4-6 months?
Around 32 oz daily
Why should fruit juice be avoided before 6 months?
Due to lack of nutritional benefit
What is the recommended approach to introducing complementary foods at 6-8 months?
Introduce one new food at a time to monitor for allergies
What is the recommended order for introducing complementary foods?
Vegetables, meats, fruits (Sweet foods last to avoid preference development)
How much diluted fruit juice can be introduced between 6-8 months?
4-6 oz of diluted fruit juice
In what type of container should fruit juice be offered to infants?
A cup (not a bottle or sippy cup)
What type of foods should be offered at 6-8 months to help with chewing development?
Lumpier foods
Why is iron and zinc intake important for infants at 6-8 months?
To increase intake, especially for breastfed infants
What are the risks of overfeeding infants?
High costs, overconsumption, digestive stress, food allergies, reduction in iron absorption
What drinks should be avoided in sippy cups?
Juice, soda, or sweetened drinks
What benefit does breastfeeding have over bottle feeding?
Promotes jaw and chin development
What dental problems may arise from bottle use and pacifiers?
Malocclusions and narrowed dental arches
What causes cleft lip and palate?
Genetics, drug exposure, or folic acid deficiency.
How does malnutrition impact oral health?
Affects tooth size, formation, eruption, and caries susceptibility.
What is the link between poor nutrition in infancy and oral health?
Linked to higher primary and permanent tooth decay.
What are the risk factors for caries in infants?
Low parental education, poverty, no breastfeeding, poor diet, infrequent dental visits.
How does a parent’s oral hygiene affect infant oral health?
directly impacts infant oral health through bacterial transmission.
How do parents transmit bacteria to infants?
Through sharing spoons, food bites, and cleaning pacifiers with their mouth.
What oral health issues are associated with cleft lip and palate?
Feeding difficulties, dental abnormalities (missing, malformed, extra teeth).
How can you prevent parent-to-infant bacterial transmission?
Wipe infant’s gums and teeth after feeding and avoid saliva-sharing behaviors.
How should parents care for their infant’s oral health daily?
Wipe the infant’s mouth after feeding with a wet cloth and clean teeth with a soft toothbrush or cloth when they erupt.
What bottle-feeding practices can help prevent early childhood caries?
Avoid giving bottles of milk/juice at bedtime and offer water at bedtime instead.
When should parents transition their infant from bottles to cups?
Encourage the transition to cups as soon as possible.
