Nutrition for Infants and Toddlers Janet Blair, Healthy Start in Child Care Perry County Health Department

Outline Feeding relationship Development and feeding skills Serving sizes Potentially harmful foods Good eating habits Encouraging new foods Picky eaters

Feeding Relationship Interactions and communication between a caregiver and infant during feeding Influences the infant’s ability to progress in feeding skills and eat a nutritionally adequate diet

Steps to a Positive Feeding Relationship Observe and be sensitive Hunger Satiety Food Preferences Be positive Make mealtime pleasant by calming the infant

Development of Feeding Behaviors—0 - 3 months Reflexes Rooting, suck Swallow reflex Tonic neck reflex Motor Development Poor head control Secures milk with suckling pattern Tongue projected during swallowing

Development of Feeding Behaviors—4 - 6 months Reflexes Rooting, biting reflex fade Tonic neck reflex fades Motor Development Suck changes to mature suck Sucking strength increases Munching pattern begins Grasps with palmer grasp Brings object to mouth and bites

Development of Feeding Behaviors—7 - 9 months Reflexes Gag reflex Normal gag Choking reflex can be inhibited Motor Development Munching [solid foods] Rotary chew Sits alone Voluntary release; resecure hold Holds bottle alone Develops pincer grasp

Development of Feeding Behaviors—10 - 12 months Reflexes [continue to improve] Motor Development Reaches for spoon Bites nipples, spoons, and crunchy foods Grasps items and brings to mouth Drink from a cup [that is held] Tongue is used to lick food morsels off lip Finger feeds with pincer grasp

Stages of Feeding 0 to 4 months: Breastmilk and/or formula 4 to 6 months: Baby is ready for solid foods when… Birth wt has doubled Can control head and neck Sits up with some support Can turn head/close mouth to show being full Interest in your food when you eat

Stages of Feeding [cont.] 6 to 8 months First food = iron-fortified rice cereal Vegetables then Fruits Fruit juice when drinks from a cup [limited amount] 8 to 12 months Strained meats Egg yolks

Signs of Hunger in Infants Rooting reflex Hand to mouth activity Small, fussing sounds Pre-cry facial grimaces Crying

Signs of Satiety in Infants Decreased interest in eating more Increased interest in environment

Avoid Propping a Bottle Because… Choking—liquid goes into lungs Ear infections—fluid enters the middle ear and cannot drain properly No human contact received, which is necessary to make them feel loved and secure Increased risk of dental problems

Toddler Stages Sense of self: loves to say “no” Verbal Expression: when and what he/she likes to eat Freedom to explore and security of limits: interested in playing rather than eating

Toddler Stages [cont.] Refining motor control [easily frustrated]: needs set up for success in feeding Neophobic: refuses new food at least once Short attention span: may not sit through long meal

Equipment Needed for Children Chairs/Table: ht should be appropriate Plates: child-size; unbreakable Utensils: short handles, blunt tips or tines; rounded spoons and knives [not disposable] Glasses: broad bases; small enough for small hands to hold them Serving spoons: small enough for child to handle Special eating equipment if needed

Serving Sizes See handout

Foods to Avoid Before 1 Year of Age Egg Whites Cow’s milk Tomatoes Strawberries Chocolate Fish Honey Corn syrup

Choking Hazards Hot dogs Peanuts Popcorn Raisins [and other dried fruit] Grapes Peanut butter Small pieces of raw vegetables ***Always make sure child is seated when eating anything!

Building Good Eating Habits Offer a variety of foods Serve child-size portions Give choices Let child decide how much Only one new food per meal Offer nutritious snacks b/twn meals Serve foods with different characteristics Allow time to eat Be a good role model Make mealtime pleasant

Mealtime Survival Let children know the type of behavior expected Quiet time before meals Respect preferences but no short-order cook Allow children to help with food prep Serve small portions Serve food easy for children to manage Acknowledge desirable behavior Do not make dessert a reward

Why Encourage New Foods?

Each of the 5 food groups provides different nutrients Some foods within each food group are better sources of a nutrient Child’s nutrition status, growth, and health are influenced by his/her diet Nutrition education research suggests that 4 and 5 year olds start to develop their adult food prefs

Encouraging New Foods Try again A taste is just a taste Color makes a difference Serve an unfamiliar food with a familiar one Capitalize on “food tasting” peers Be a role model A taste is just a taste One step at a time What goes in, may come out

Strategy for Picky Eaters Let child grow it Let child help select food at grocery Let child help prepare food Try serving it in different ways Let child dip it Serve food when child is hungry

Strategy for Picky Eaters [cont.] Seat child next to another child who loves veggies Eat it yourself with enjoyment Offer new foods several times Won’t eat veggies? Offer fruits high in Vitamin A and C

Summary Children need to feel secure and loved. Children have different nutrition needs at different ages for healthy growth and development. Be aware of the amounts and types of foods offered at certain ages. Some foods are not appropriate for children under one year. Offer new foods and instill healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. Do not be a short-order cook for picky eaters.

Presentation adapted from: Wendy Compton, RD, LD

Thank you for your attention! Any questions?