Introduction

Early nutrition status is important to a child’s growth, and to the development of motor and cognitive skills.

The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM’s) Nutrition Services in Perinatal Care, 2nd edition calls for several actions by health care providers that are related to nutrition. Many of these are within the scope of practice of the Registered Dietitian. (IOM, 1992)

The health care provider should:

Offer or organize structured programs to provide information about infant feeding choices to pregnant women and their partners and to support breastfeeding

Evaluate and manage the nutritional care of the infant:

• Screen for nutrition-related problems, such as PKU, over- or under-feeding, inappropriate feeding or nutrient supplements, and abnormal patterns of growth
• Measure, monitor, and assess infant growth
• Assure the mother is getting accurate and appropriate breastfeeding support and breastfeeding is going well
• Provide instructions for the safe preparation of infant formula, feeding instructions, and anticipatory guidance for the primary caregiver and others as appropriate
• Address feeding practices to prevent the development of tooth decay in infants
• Determine the need to adjust feeding strategies, formula (if used), and vitamin-mineral supplements
• Adjust recommendations to treat food- and nutrition-related problems of the infant, such as overnutrition, undernutrition, anemia, and allergies
• Consult with specialists concerning complex nutritional challenges and make referrals as necessary

Provide for continuity of nutritional care – referral to and communications with outpatient and home health services, and parental support groups, as well as referral to local agencies with food and nutrition programs

This module reviews the process of nutrition assessment for the young infant. Nutrient needs are discussed, and interventions for some common nutrition-related problems are reviewed.

You may also download a printable version of this module.

Estimated time to complete this module: 60 minutes.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Describe basic nutrient needs during the first 2 months of life
• Identify risk factors during first 2 months of life and describe the potential complications and nutritional implications associated with each
• Complete a nutrition assessment for a young infant (including evaluation of anthropometrics, biochemical indicators, dietary intake, medical data, psycho-social issues)
• Develop an individualized intervention and education plan
• Refer clients to appropriate members of the MSS/ICM team and/or community providers, as appropriate