NUTRITION

IN
INFANCY
Infancy is a time of dramatic change
and development. In the first year of
life, babies triple their body weight
and develop from tiny bundles whose
daily activities involve eating, sleeping,
and creating dirty diapers to toddlers
well on their way to walking, talking,
and feeding themselves.
The first 1,000 days of life, beginning
at conception and continuing through
toddlerhood, also represent the most
active period of brain development in
the lifespan, laying the foundation
and establishing neural networks to
support cognitive, motor, and social-
emotional skills throughout life.
Early Infancy: Meeting Nutrient
Needs Through Milk
At birth and continuing through the first 6
months of life, breast milk, infant formula, or
some combination of the two should be the sole
source of nutrition for infants. This is because
young infants’ gastrointestinal tracts aren’t yet
ready to process more complex foods, and they
lack the oral motor skills to swallow solid foods
safely.
MILK CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
E.0 51- NATIONAL CODE FOR
MARKETING BREASTMILK SUBSTITUTE
Corazon C. Aquino
October 20, 1989
The code aims the provision of safe and adequate
nutrition for infants through protection and
promotion of breastfeeding and ensuring the proper
use of milk substitute and breastmilk supplements
when this is necessary.
 MILK SUBSTITUTE IF
BREASTFEEDING IS NOT
POSSIBLE
Cow’s milk
Goats milk
Mixtures containing no milk
INTRODUCTION OF
COMPLIMENTARY
FEEDINGS
COMPLIMENTARY FEEDING- by six months
of age milk alone cannot provide the energy
and nutrients necessary for the needs of the
growing infant.

At this stage, breastfeeding on demand is

still recommended but with additional solid
foods.
IS BABY READY TO EAT SOLID FOODS?
Can raise their head independently;
Can sit down with assistance;
Have signs of chewing and swallowing
capacity;
Able to gain weight rapidly by 6 months;
Interested in food (looks at food, tries to
reach for food and puts them into their
mouth)
OPTIMAL COMPLIMENTARY FEEDING
A. Timely
b. Adequate
c. Appropriate
d. Safe
e. Properly feed
How to Introduce Complimentary feeding
a. Introduce one food at a time.
b. Give small amounts of any food : teaspoon
or less at the beginning.
c. Use thin or soft consistency at the
beginning.
d. Never force the infant to eat more.
f. Food should be only slightly seasoned.
g. Variety in the choice of food.
COMMON PROBLEMS AND DISORDERS
IN INFANCY
1. Regurgitation
2. Colic
3. Diarrhea
4. Food Allergy
5. Iron Deficiency Anemia