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- Dina M. DiMaggio, MD*,†
- Amanda Cox, MD‡
- Anthony F. Porto, MD, MPH§
- *Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY
- †Pediatric Associates of NYC, New York, NY
- ‡Division of Pediatric Allergy, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
- §Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University, New Haven, CT
AUTHOR DISCLOSURE
Drs DiMaggio, Cox, and Porto have disclosed no financial relationships relevant to this article. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device.
- AAP:
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- ARA:
- arachidonic acid
- CDC:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- DHA:
- docosahexaenoic acid
- FDA:
- Food and Drug Administration
- FPIES:
- food protein–induced enterocolitis syndrome
- GER:
- gastroesophageal reflux
- GERD:
- GER disease
- IgE:
- immunoglobulin E
- MCT:
- medium-chain triglyceride
- WHO:
- World Health Organization
Practice Gap
Guidelines for introduction of complementary foods in infants have evolved. New data have led to the development of updated guidelines on the introduction of high-allergy foods, especially with the introduction of peanuts. Pediatricians need to keep up to date with these changes to educate parents on current guidelines.
Objectives
After completing this article, readers should be able to:
Educate parents on the introduction of complementary foods, specifically with regard to iron- and zinc-fortified first foods and highly allergenic foods, including peanuts, on the basis of current guidelines.
Use the World Health Organization and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts correctly.
Recognize and treat common medical conditions related to infant nutrition.
Describe the differences between common infant formulas.
Introduction
Infancy is a period of rapid growth and development. Parents are often confused about optimal infant nutrition practices. In addition, as new research has emerged, pediatricians have needed to modify the education provided to parents. This article covers common topics about infant nutrition, including normal infant growth, use of breast milk, discussion of formula options, and introduction of complementary foods. Our recommendations are based on current guidelines and research.
Normal Growth During Infancy
During infancy, children are expected to double their birth weight by 5 to 6 months of age. Children gain weight more rapidly during the first 3 months after birth, and this rate decreases over the first year (Table 1). Height will also increase by 10 inches (25.4 cm), and head circumference will increase by 5 inches (12.7 cm) in the first year.
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Normal Infant Weight Gain
A good resource for identifying patterns of excessive weight loss in the first few days …
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- Article
- Practice Gap
- Objectives
- Introduction
- Normal Growth During Infancy
- Use of Growth Charts
- Frequency and Amount Per Feeding
- Breastfeeding
- Contraindications to Breastfeeding
- Breast Milk Storage
- Vitamin D Supplementation
- Donor Milk
- Formula
- Timing for Introduction of Solids
- Developmental Signs of Readiness
- What Foods to Introduce First
- Medical Conditions of Infancy
- Conclusions
- Acknowledgment
- References
- Figures & Data
- Supplemental
- Info & Metrics
- Comments
- Quiz
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