Batang Pihikan

Feeding Problems in the Young Infant
When can I start weaning or complementary feeding?

• 4- 6 months
• Look for ready to eat signs:
• Grabbing, exploratory tongue, reaching for food, “drooling” at food, mimicking feeding behavior (Why do babies refuse solids?)
• They are developmentally not ready

Feeding Tips:

• Start with least allergenic food, closest to milk in taste and consistency (graduated introduction)

               Ex: cereals, mashed food

• Observe facial reactions
• Follow babies' cues
• Don’t force feed
• Avoid overfeeding
• Be patient when introducing new food (caregivers stop at 3 attempts,  studies have shown that you must try at least 8 or up to 15 times before giving up) Journal of Pediatrics, 2004, Carruth et al

The Picky Eater
This may be Normal behavior!

• Food jags – eating the same food day in day out, every meal- Rarely last long, offer as long as they want it
• Grazing – eating small amounts of food several times a day
• Habit of frequent eating may lead to weight problems later on
• Playing with food (enjoying the novelty of self feeding)

Fussy eating/the slow eater

• A good habit actually
• Enhances full appreciation of food
• Slow and attentive eating should be encouraged                                                                                       

NUTRITIPS!

• Be sure your child comes to meals hungry
• Don't force feed, coerce, threaten, bribe
• Give him attention during mealtimes
• No distractions (like TV)
• Make meals time fun time: - Make a nibble tray, use dips, spreads, toppings, offer different drinks, bite size, nice packaging, share food with a friend, help in the kitchen
• Use “sit still” strategies: child sized table and chair
• Kid's menu/ substitute for those who refuse to have milk, veggies, and meat

- MILK:  Fruit juices,  cereals,  cream soups,  ice cream,  pudding,  custard,  yoghurt,  cottage   cheese
- Hide vegetables, steam it, soups, stews, colorful presentation
- Easy to chew meat, fish, peanut butter, cheese
- Make every calorie count – nutri-dense foods
-pasta,  avocados,  broccoli,  peanut butter,  potatoes, cheese, eggs, squash, sweet potatoes,  fish ,tofu,   yoghurt, kidney beans, poultry
- Be good role models - eat right too

What are Junk foods?

• Low nutritional value, but
• Fulfill the psychological and social value of eating
• Consumed in excessive amounts because they are - So easy to eat
  - With sensory appeal
  - Usually inexpensive
  Examples:
  - DRY,  EXTRUDED,  EXPANDED  CEREAL  BASED like:  curls,  chips, crunchies,  instant noodles
  - Fast food: burgers, fries, pizza, hot dogs
  - Carbonated beverages, soft drinks, tetra juices
  - High in sugar and fat processed food: candies, chocolates, jellies

• These may be health hazards:
  - Chemical contamination
  - Unsanitary
  - Habitual intake at the expense of more nutritious foods
  - Excessive salt/sugar

School Performance and Diet

• Be aware that breakfast and school performance are related! Children who eat breakfast before school have better:
  - Behavior
  - Attentiveness
  - Participation in class

• Breakfast sets the nutritional pattern for the rest of the day
  - send them off to school in a calm mood

FNRI, 2000 TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR
PROPER NUTRITION

• Eat a variety of foods everyday
• Breast feed
• Give children proper diet and monitor growth and development
• Include fish, beef, poultry, dried beans in diet
• More veggies, fruits, and root crops
• Use good edible/cooking oil
• Give milk, calcium rich
• Use iodized salt
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle

Note:   This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment.   If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

For more information, please call:

CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICS

Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6630

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP

Tel. No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444