In addition to evaluation of a child's nutrient intake, a comprehensive dietary assessment includes examination of feeding skills and the types of foods offered and behaviors, relationships, and attitudes toward food. Feeding skills will be covered in Module 3.

The following questions are often useful for eliciting information about a child's food pattern:

• How often does the infant breastfeed?
• How frequently is the infant/child fed?
• How is formula prepared?
• What is the typical meal pattern?
• How much does he eat at one time?
• What supplements are used (energy, protein, enteral, vitamin, mineral)?
• Does the child have food allergies or intolerances, or are there any food restrictions?

A discussion about behaviors, relationships, and attitudes related to food and eating might be started with these questions:

• What foods are preferred? Disliked?
• Can your child communicate hunger? Thirst?
• Who is present at mealtimes?
• Are mealtimes pleasant?
• Describe your child's appetite.
• Is your child interested in eating?
• Do you think your child is underweight? Overweight?
• Do you think your child eats too much? To little?