The Importance Of Infancy In Infancy

Infancy is a very important time period for growth and development for a young child’s life. The first 12 months are the foundation for the baby’s nutritional health to be established. According to Grodner, Escott-Stump, and Dorner, during the first year, a human infant is expected to triple his or her birth weight and increase its length by 50%. “In addition, after birth, organs such as the kidney and brain continue to develop and mature. In no other period of life do growth and development occur so rapidly” (Grodner, Escott-Stump, & Dorner, 2016, p.200). Since this growth and development is so rapid it is essential to make sure that the infant has the appropriate balance of all nutrients. In addition, parents, caregivers, and health care

From 6-12 months the energy recommendations are 98 kcal/kg/day and protein recommendations are 1.6 g/kg/day. Also, in my textbook it mentions, “requirements are estimated on the basis of the intake and growth rates of normal, healthy breastfed infants. Protein requirement is highest during the first 4 months of life, when growth is the most rapid. It is suggested that infants receive 9 g per day from birth to 6 months of age and 11 g per day for the second half of the first year” (Grodner, Escott-Stump, & Dorner, 2016, p. 200).

When I calculated my BMR from week 8, it recommends my energy intake to be 1357.35 kcals per day. (SUO, 2016). To calculate my protein intake, I used a protein calculator and it recommends I have an intake of 124 grams. (Body Building, 2015). Looking at the difference between a baby’s energy and protein intake it is very different. A baby must have all the essential nutrients needed at birth because they grow so rapidly.

The diet of an infant, prior to solid food introduction, consists of either breast milk or formula. When mothers make the choice of what to feed their child during this time, what factors come into play? For example, some cultures may be more accepting of breast-feeding than

In U.S. most mothers do breast-feed, but it is just for most of the first year. They believe it is healthier for the babies and it is less expensive to breast-feed. Although, in other cultures/countries they breast-feed there babies for a longer period of time.

At what point is solid food recommended to be added to an infant 's diet? Nutritionally speaking, why is this? Each infant is different, so how can it be determined when a certain infant is ready for solid