Nutrient Needs During the First Two Months of Life

Energy

In general, healthy infants are able to adjust their intakes to meet energy needs. Recommendations for energy intake were updated in 2005 and are about 15% lower than previous guidelines.

Recommendations are based on studies using doubly-labeled water. Although age, sex, length, and feeding method also influence energy needs, an equation using only weight was found to accurately predict total energy expenditure.