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Chapter Five. Feeding Infants. The Balance of Nurture and Nutrients. Infants need a nurturing feeding relationship and appropriate nutrition in order to grow and thrive. A good feeding relationship is established when adults are responsive to infants’ feeding cues.
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Chapter Five Feeding Infants
The Balance of Nurture and Nutrients Infants need a nurturing feeding relationship and appropriate nutrition in order to grow and thrive. A good feeding relationship is established when adults are responsive to infants’ feeding cues. Holding, talking, and smiling at babies while they eat helps babies learn. The nutritional needs of infants are influenced by how well mothers are nourished prior to and during pregnancy.
Nutritional Benefits of Breast Milk The type of fat found in breast milk is easily absorbed by baby. Promotes brain and vision development. The protein composition of breast milk is more easily digested than formula. Breast milk contains enzymes important for the absorption of fats, carbohydrates, and protein found in breast milk.
Recommendations for Breast-Feeding Breast-feeding is recommended for at least the first year of life. The World Health Organization encourages breast feeding until age 2 or older.
Additional Benefits of Breast Milk Antibodies help prevent illness and infection. Stimulates the development of the gastrointestinal tract, reduces the risk of infections, inflammatory diseases, and allergies. Breast-fed infants, particularly those born prematurely, perform better on IQ tests. May protect against developmental delays. Contributes to healthful weight. Breast-fed infants less likely to have colds, ear infections, urinary tract infections, and diarrhea.
Safe Handling of Breast Milk Wash hands before handling breast milk. Store breast milk in clean containers that are clearly labeled with baby’s name and date that milk was expressed. Breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 48 hours. Once a bottle has been offered, any milk not consumed should be discarded. Breast milk that has set out over an hour should be discarded. Breast milk can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen breast milk by transferring to refrigerator until ready to use, or placing it in warm water (avoid microwave).
Types of Infant Formula Modified cow’s milk Soy-based formulas Premature formulas Enhanced infant formulas Follow-up infant formulas
Symptoms of Formula Intolerance Gas Bloating Diarrhea Abdominal distention and pain Vomiting Excessive crying Rash Anaphylactic reaction (more rare)
Safe Preparation of Infant Formula Follow safe and sanitary procedures (wash hands before preparing formula). Measure formula and water exactly. Too much water will cause formula to be too low in calories. Too little water will can cause diarrhea, dehydration, and excess calorie intake.
What if… You notice a coworker in the infant class not properly measuring formula when preparing it for infants in her care? How would you respond?
Inappropriate Infant Feeding Practices Adding cereal to formula in bottle Making the baby finish the bottle Using honey in the bottle or pacifier (honey is dangerous for infants the first year of life) Offering alternate milks
Signs Babies are Ready for Pureed Foods Able to hold head up steady and can sit with support Able to push up on straightened arms when lying on stomach Can draw in the bottom lip as a spoon is removed from the mouth Can keep food in the back of the mouth and swallow rather than push it out with tongue Can turn head away when full
What to Feed Infants Infant cereals and pureed meats are important first foods. Single-ingredient foods should be introduced one at a time with 3-5 days before introducing the next new food (to observe for allergies). Add 100% fruit juice at approximately 6-8 months. Offer finger foods between 7-8 months of age.
Choking Food Hazards Slippery foods that are round (grapes and cooked carrots) Easy to inhale foods (sunflower seeds, popcorn) Sticky, chewy foods (peanut butter, gummy candy) Firm food that can wedge in the throat (hot dogs, bananas) Hard, dry foods (pretzels and chips)
Special Infant Feeding Concerns Infants with feeding problems Oral hyposensitivity Oral hypersensitivity Oral motor delays Premature infants Infants with cleft lip and cleft palate Infants from different cultures
What if… You have a family in your class that comes from a country where food resources are very limited and they become upset when you allow their baby to play with his food? How would you respond?