NUTRIENTS
What nutrient do healthy, full-term infants have sufficient stores of to provide growth for the first four months of life?
IRON
Iron makes strong red blood, is crucial for intellectual development, and fortifies the immune
system. Breastfed babies need solid foods to supply extra iron by about 6 months of age. Iron-fortified cereal is often one of the first foods introduced to
infants. Formula-fed infants will often be given a commercial iron-fortified formula.
True or False
Bottles can be safely warmed in the microwave.
FALSE
Microwave heating is uneven and a bottle warm to the touch may contain scalding milk. Over heating formula or breast milk destroys the nutritious properties. And, the bottle will continue to heat even after it is removed from the microwave oven.
How frequently should infants (first 4 months) be fed?
ON DEMAND
Young infants should be fed on demand or soon after they first express their need. Infants vary greatly as to how much food they can comfortably handle, and the infant is the best source of information on when to feed. How much and how frequently a baby is fed should be discussed with family members and health care providers. They should be held and given special attention during feeding to promote feelings of safety, security and closeness.
How often do new foods need to be offered before
they may be accepted by a child?
Between 8 and 12 times
Young children often touch or smell new foods, and may even put tiny bits in their mouths and then take them back out again. Children might need repeated exposure to a new food before taking the first bite. Encourage children by talking about a food's color, shape, aroma and texture—not whether it tastes good. Serve new foods along with favorite foods (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2011)
What nutrient
increases iron absorption?
Vitamin C
Dairy products can prevent iron from being
absorbed.
After a child nurses from a bottle, how soon
should unconsumed formula in the
bottle be discarded?
Within 1 Hour
A bottle should never be refrigerated or reheated
after the baby has nursed from it because the milk
will have been contaminated with enzymes and
bacteria in the babies’ saliva, which will grow to
spoil the milk. For the same reason, baby food
should never be served directly from a factory-sealed container or put back into its original container for storage. When feeding a child prepared baby food, it is better to remove a small portion that you will use, put it in a bowl, and put the rest of the jar’s contents into the refrigerator. Breast milk should be discarded at the end of each feeding.
What is the extrusion reflex?
The reflex that causes infants’ tongues to protrude when a spoon is put in their mouth.
This reflex prevents infants from being able to transfer food to the back of their mouth. This is one of the reasons infants should not be fed solid food prior to 4 months of age. Solid foods, such as cereal, should never be fed to infants in a bottle.
True or False
Children should be encouraged to drink a lot of fruit juice.
FALSE
The fructose and sorbitol contained in these juices can lead to diarrhea, because they are slowly absorbed. Also, if fruit juice or related drink products are replacing formula or milk in the diet, the infant may not be receiving adequate amounts of fat, protein, or calcium and other minerals that are essential for bone growth as well as overall health.
True or False
Nonfat and Low-fat milks are
recommended for infants under the age
of 2.
FALSE
The fat found in whole milk provides a significant
source of energy, with 9 calories per gram, so it is
an energy-dense food. Whole milk supplies
essential fatty acids and aid in the development of
the brain.
What food should not be served to infants
because it may contain botulism spores (a type of
bacteria)?
Honey
Botulism can be fatal for children under 1 year
of age.
At what age are solid foods generally introduced?
4–6 months
This should be done in consultation with the child’s family and health care provider. Between 4 and 6 months of age, the infant’s iron stores that were present at birth become exhausted. Consequently, semi-solid foods need to be introduced in order to supply iron. Also at this age babies can turn their heads away from food when satisfied, and signal a desire to stop eating. Babies are also showing more interest in touching, holding, and tasting food.
True or False
Each time a new food is introduced into a child’s diet, families/caregivers should wait 4–7 days before introducing another new food.
TRUE
Good communication between the caregiver/teacher and the parents/guardians is essential for successful feeding, in general, including when introducing age appropriate solid foods (complementary foods). The decision to feed specific foods should be made in consultation with the parents/guardians. Additionally, moms who breastfeed their babies should be supported to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months. It is recommended that the caregiver/teacher be given written instructions on the introduction and feeding of foods from the parents/guardians and the infant’s primary medical care provider. Caregivers/teachers should continue to consult with each infant’s parents/guardians concerning foods they have introduced and are feeding. In this way, the caregiver/teacher can follow a schedule of introducing new foods one at a time and more easily identify possible food allergies or intolerances. Symptoms of allergic reactions can include:
• colic or gas pain
• rash or hives
• diarrhea, or loose bowel movements
• constipation
• vomiting
True or False
Water should be given
to infants to prevent
dehydration.
FALSE
Infants typically consume enough human milk or
formula to meet their needs for water. However,
any conditions that lead to excess water loss –
diarrhea, vomiting, fever, hot weather, or too
much sun – can call for supplemental water.
Name three food items that are choking hazards for children under 4 years.
Hotdog-like products; chunks of meat; whole grapes; raw cherries with pits; peeling on fruit; raw carrots, peas, and celery; olives; pickles; popcorn; chunks of peanut butter; peanuts and other nuts/seeds; candy—both soft and hard; marshmallows; chewing gum; chips; bacon
When do many children begin drinking from a cup?
7–9 months
During this time children are able to begin curving their lips around the cup. Cup drinking will gradually improve as children reach 12 months.
According to the USDA’s “My Plate” guidelines, which food group should adults model as being half the plate?
FRUITS & VEGGIES
People who eat more vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Combined with active play, a healthy diet is critical to long term health. It is important to establish healthy eating habits in early childhood. Refer to the 10 Ways to Be a Healthy Role Model in the participants’ handouts.
What supplement may be recommended for
infants if infants are not exposed to adequate sunlight or the breastfeeding mother is deficient in this vitamin?
Vitamin D
The cells in our skin can convert a cholesterol-like
substance to vitamin D using sunlight. Those who
do not receive enough sunshine to synthesize an
adequate amount of Vitamin D must have a
dietary source of the vitamin. The AAP
recommends Vitamin D supplementation for selected groups of infants.
Name one reason why babies should not be put
to bed with a bottle.
It can cause ear infections • It can lead to tooth decay * It increases the danger of choking
Breast milk, formula, milk, juice, and sweetened drinks contain sugars that can decay existing or erupting teeth, creating a condition known as “nursing bottle mouth.” This may lead to early loss of teeth, particularly the front upper and lower teeth.
• Propping the bottle so the infant may lie down and feed without being held may lead to ear infections. A child should always be held in a semi-seated position during feedings to prevent milk from traveling to the Eustachian tubes and into the ears.
True or False
Between 12–24 months children will begin to have a
decreased appetite
TURE
The toddler’s decreased rate of growth typically causes a decrease in appetite and lack of interest in food. In addition, this is a time when children will want to be more independent, including making choices about what and when they eat. This often causes parents great concern.
What food groups should children eat sparingly?
SOLID FATS AND SWEETS
Unfortified apple juice, cake, candy, and Jello are among the foods that fit into the sweets category. Healthy eating habits combined with active play in the first few years of life, set the foundation for maintaining healthy habits and weight throughout life .