An infant’s future is decided within the first 1,000 days – the critical period between conception and age of two
years. At this window of opportunity, maternal and child, nutrition has a measurable, lasting impact on growth, brain
development, and immune function of an infant.
The impact of malnutrition during the first 1,000 days is irreversible. With adequate nourishment in the earliest
years of life, children have an opportunity to grow, learn, and become productive adults (Wardle, 2014 p. 7)
At early ages of life is very critical. The requirements of calories are much higher than any other time of life. For
instance, the energy requirement at ages 0-6 months is usually high and is supplied solely by breast milk unless
otherwise compromised. Energy requirement are usually estimated to be 110- 120 k cal/kg/day. This is to provide
for the rapid growth. The protein requirement is also equally high at 9.1 grams per day (Wardle, 2014 p. 13)
The trend of the two reduces, as the infant grows older. The rate of growth after birth is usually higher than later
time in life. For this reason, the requirement of energy and protein at age seven month to one year is a reduction of
the first phase of life (Brown, 2011 p. 1266). Between this period of time, the energy requirement is usually 11
grams of protein per day and 95 -100 k cal/kg/day (Wardle, 2014 p. 6).
At adulthood, the requirement of energy goes even lower. The energy and protein requirement will start
depending with physical activities where inactive life requires less energy than compared to individuals that are
involved in vigorous activities. On average, an adult needs around 0.8 grams/kg/day of protein and calories of 41k
cal/kg/day compared to that of an infant a big difference can be seen where the requirement of an infant is much
higher (Noble, 2006 p. 304).
The reason for the difference is infants lose more of energy so they need more. Secondly, an infant at 0- 6 month
solely depends on milk for provision of protein and energy. The milk taken is completely digested and absorbed
giving higher values of energy and protein (Noble, 2006 p. 304).
When it comes to weaning a baby off breast milk, several factors come into play. They include culture, which
may dictate on what is to be done. Some cultures are stringent to breast milk while other are a little bit lose.
Secondly, some mothers are quite busy so they may need to wean their infants early enough from the breast milk to
give them time to fit a busy schedule. The health of the mother is very critical when it comes to breast-feeding. Due
to risk of some diseases through milk, a mother can be advised to wean off the baby. An example is HIV/AIDS
where the viral load is higher can result to weaning due to risks of mother to child transmission. Finally, twin or
multiple deliveries of the baby can compromise breast-feeding due to higher demand from the infants Brown (2011
p. 1270).
Weaning should be started by slow introduction of semisolid foods at age of 6 months. This is late introduction
of semisolid food is to allow the infant to fully benefit on the first milk that contains a high load of nutrients and
antibodies that are passed from mother to the infant. It also allows the infant to exercise the mastication muscles that
have started developing at the age of 6 months. However, each child is different, and there are some factors that
dictate the introduction of solid food. Such factors include the health of the infant. Poor health can make the infant
react from the food given. The grasping reflex should be well developed, and infants should follow objects by eyes
to indicate that he or she has developed interest with what the family is feeding them.
Not every solid food is good some are very unhealthy. They include cow’s milk, which contains gelatin, a
protein that an infant cannot digest. It may also cause allergic reaction. Cabbage also contains a lot of gas that may
later cause colic and pain caused by bloating. Carbonated drinks contain a lot of gas that may lead to bloating.
Prebiotics should also be avoided since the healthy bacteria's can be very harmful (Noble, 2006 p. 307). Foods that
can be given are mashed potatoes and soups prepared from fish or beef (Wardle, 2014. P. 14).
April
References
Wardle, K., De Domenico, M., & Li Ming, W. (2014). Understanding infant feeding practices of new mothers:
findings from the Healthy Beginnings
Trial.Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32(1), 6-15.
Brown, A., & Lee, M. (2011). Maternal Control of Child Feeding During the Weaning Period: Differences
Between Mothers Following a Baby-led or Standard Weaning Approach. Maternal & Child Health Journal, 15(8),
1265-1271. doi:10.1007/s10995-010-0678-4
Noble, S., & Emmett, P. (2006). Differences in weaning practice, food and nutrient intake between breast- and
formula-fed 4-month-old infants in England.Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics, 19(4), 303-313.
doi:10.1111/j.1365-277X.2006.00708.x
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