Infant Growth and Development

A well nourished infant shows a steady gain in weight and length, is happy and
vigorous, sleep well, has firm muscles, has some tooth eruption at about 5 to 6
months and has good elimination characteristics of the type of feeding- breast
or formula.
The nutrients found in milk especially the PROTEIN, are essential in the
development of the new tissues that accompany this growth.
Each infant has an individual rate of growth, but all grow faster in weight than
in length. A steady weight gain is important than a large amount gained.

FEEDING GUIDELINES DURING THE 1ST YEAR

Although it was once a common practice to wait until the infant reached
4months of age to start introducing cereal and other solid foods, many
parents today feel that is too long.
Before 1920, solid foods were seldom offered to infants younger than 1
year. As time progressed, our knowledge of infant nutrition expanded, and
women relied more on bottle feeding
By 1960s the age at which solid foods were commonly introduced had
become a few months or even weeks.
This, trend; however was a rational response to the nutritionally inadequate
formulas used at that time. A source of vitamin C such as orange juice and
iron- fortified cereal were necessary then at an early age.

The reasons to delay the introduction of solid foods until 4 to

6 months are:
1. The inability of the young infant to digest complex carbohydrates such as
those found in cereal, vegetables and fruits.
2. The immature intestinal tract of the young infant, which allows large,
undigested food molecules to pass through the intestinal wall.
3. Inadequate physiologic readiness of the infant to use tongue- thrust
4. The inability of the infant to indicates a desire for food by opening his or
her mouth when a spoonful of food is presented or to indicate satiety by
learning back and turning away; it is felt that until an infant can respond in
this manner, feeding solid food may represent a type of force-feeding

One important reason for introducing some solid foods into infant’s diet is to
replenish the depleting stores of iron at about 6 months of age.
The general guidelines for the introduction of foods are as follows:

1. Introduce iron- fortified baby rice cereal at about 6 months of age

2. Add pureed vegetables and fruits one at the time, at about 7 to 8
months
3. Add pureed meats at about 8 to 9 months
4. Add juice when the infant is old enough to drink from a cup, at
about 9 to 10 months
5. Add food with more texture and finger foods at about 9 to 10
months
6.Add allergenic foods, such as egg whites, whole milk, wheat
products and orange juice, after 1 year

Infants who are fed a vegan diet can receive adequate nutrition if they are
breast-fed or receive soy milk formula. Breast-fed infants of vegan mothers
generally require a vitamin B12 supplement and a vitamin D supplement.
Older infant need a good source of vitamin D and B12 and the mineral
zinc.
Inappropriate Foods
Aside from the special requirements for allergy- sensitive
infant or those who have metabolic disorders, it should be
stressed that parents should not give HONEY to babies
because of the potential for botulism, Honey contains
botulism spores.
The high sodium content of some processed food can be
detrimental to the immature renal functioning of infants.
Steamed fresh vegetables, fruits and other low sodium
foods may be safely used in preparing homemade baby
foods.
Special baby food grinders can be purchased for a
reasonable price and allow the baby to eat the same foods
as the family.
It is important to avoid excess salt and sugar in baby food,
whether store-bought or prepared at home.
To prevent choking:
Parents should avoid serving the infant any
foods that have a hard texture or are
served in large pieces until infant is old
enough to chew adequately.
Hot dogs should never be given to an infant
and can also be problematic for an older
child unless they sliced into thin strips so
they cannot cause choking if chewed
inadequately.