Pediatric diets are aimed at providing basic nutritional support that is appropriate for a child's state of development. During the first four to six months of life, infants need only breast milk or formula to meet all their nutritional needs. Never give honey to an infant, as it may contain the spores that cause botulism. An infant's immune system is not fully developed to fight off this disease. At 4 to 6 months of age an infant is often ready to start the transition to solid foods. Starting solids too soon may cause the infant to choke if they are not physically ready. There are several developmental milestones to indicate an infant is ready eat solid foods: when birth weight has doubled; the baby has good control of head and neck; can sit up with some support; can show fullness by turning the head away or by not opening the mouth; and the baby begins showing interest in food when others are eating.
Causes of Pediatric Diets
During the age of six to eight months, it is still necessary to continue to offer breast milk or formula 3 to 5 times per day. The consumption of formula or breast milk will begin to level off as solid foods become a source of nutrition. After a baby has tried a variety of different baby cereals, try fruit juices and strained fruits and vegetables. Towards the end of the last four months of the infants first year, breast milk or formula should be offered 3 to 4 times per day at this age. The baby will be ready to try strained or finely chopped meats. For breast fed infants, start meats at 8 months of age (breast milk is not a rich source of iron, but infants have adequate iron stores to last until 8 months of age when iron-rich foods such as meats can be given). After a baby is one-year old, whole milk may replace breast milk or formula. Children under the age of two should not be given low-fat milk as they need the additional calories from fat to ensure proper growth and development. Throughout childhood and adolescence, it is important that the diet include a variety of foods for proper development. The principles of the Food Guide Pyramid apply to a child's diet as well as adults, although portions and number of servings per day are obviously less for children. After the age of 2, it is recommended that the diet be moderately low in fat, as diets high in fat may contribute to heart disease, obesity, and other health problems later in life. In areas where water is not fluoridated, however, fluoride supplementation is recommended. A diet that contains a variety of foods from each of the food groups will prevent nutrient deficiencies.
Signs and Symptoms of Pediatric Diets
Both the American Medical Association and the American Dietetic Association recommend that healthy children should get all their nutrients from foods rather than vitamin supplements. However, there is no significant risk if a parent wishes to give their child a standard pediatric multi-vitamin. Nutrients that are most likely to be deficient in a child's diet are calcium, iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folic acid, and Vitamin B6. Calcium deficiency, is particular risk for children who consume little or no dairy products. Calcium deficiency that can interfere with bone growth and development. Foods that are good sources of calcium include low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt, and cheeses. Other foods such as broccoli, cooked greens, and canned salmon (with bones) will also provide a source of calcium in the diet. Iron requirements vary by age, rate of growth, iron stores, increasing blood volume, and rate of absorption from food sources. Adolescent girls will have increased iron needs due to menstrual losses. Food sources of iron include meat, fish, poultry, iron-fortified cereals, spinach greens, and dried beans and peas.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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