Fluid
Energy Requirements
Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Recommendations
Introduction of Non-milk Feedings Recommendations
Obtaining Dietary Intake Information
Minimal water intake should be at least 100-120 ml for each kg the infant weighs (1.8 to 2.2 ounces per pound). Recommended total water intakes for most infants are about 150 ml per kg.
Weight |
Minimal Water Intake |
Recommended Water Intake |
|||
LB |
kg |
Ounces |
ml |
Ounces |
ml |
4.5 |
2 |
8 |
240 |
10 |
300 |
6 |
2.7 |
11 |
324 |
14 |
405 |
8 |
3.6 |
15 |
432 |
18 |
540 |
10 |
4.5 |
18 |
540 |
23 |
675 |
12 |
5.5 |
22 |
654 |
28 |
825 |
For a quick assessment:
Weight |
Expected Total Daily Formula Intake | |
24 kcal/oz |
20 kcal/oz | |
4.5 lbs. |
10 |
12 |
6 lbs. |
14 |
16 |
8 lbs. |
18 |
22 |
10 lbs. |
23 |
27 |
12 lbs. |
28 |
32 |
Food |
Approximate Energy Value |
Dry Infant Cereal |
14 per Tbsp. |
Commercial Infant Fruits |
8 per Tbsp. |
Commercial Infant Vegetables |
5 per Tbsp. |
Commercial mixed dinners |
9 per Tbsp. |
Commercial Infant Desserts |
11 per Tbsp. |
Glucose polymers |
4 kcal/g or about 8 kcal/level tsp. |
The following Web sites provide information for calculating energy and nutrient values of foods and diets:
Caregiver reports of dietary intake may vary in accuracy. The advantages and disadvantages of common methods of obtaining dietary intake information follow. Methods should be selected based on appropriateness for the family as well as the reason for obtaining the information.
It is important to remember that feeding preterm infants can be an emotional issue for families. Families may feel responsible for inadequate dietary intake and growth. Please see section on what families tell us. Families may find dietary assessment stressful. Every attempt should be made to undertake this procedure with a family-centered, non-judgmental approach.
Method |
Description |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Intake Questionnaire |
Caregivers are asked a series of questions such as, "How much formula does your infant usually ingest in 24 hours?" |
Can be completed at time of initial visit. |
May be difficult for some caregivers to accurately answer questions about "typical intakes." |
24 hour recall |
Caregivers are asked to remember what infant has ingested in last 24 hours. |
Can be completed at time of initial visit. |
Last 24 hours may not accurately reflect typical intake. |
3 day records |
Caregivers are asked to keep records of everything the infant has to eat and drink for 3 days. |
Likely to be more accurate than methods that rely on memory alone. |
Record keeping is difficult for some busy families and for those with limited literacy. |
7 day records |
Caregivers are asked to keep records of everything the infant has to eat and drink for 7 days |
Most informative if family is able to keep good records for this long. |
Same as 3 day, but 7 days is even more difficult for some families and may not be worth the extra effort. |