Theory and practice of feeding in infancy.

1. Big picture

Infant feeding is one of the most practical topics in pediatrics because feeding determines:

• Growth
• Brain development
• Immune protection
• Gut maturation
• Prevention of iron deficiency
• Prevention or early recognition of allergy
• Parent–infant bonding

For the exam, the key sentence is:

The optimal feeding for a healthy mature infant is exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months, followed by age-appropriate complementary feeding while breastfeeding continues as desired.

The examiner usually wants you to know:

1. Why breast milk is best.
2. How to recognize effective breastfeeding.
3. When breastfeeding is contraindicated.
4. When and how to use formula.
5. When and how to introduce complementary feeding.
6. What must not be given in the first year.
7. How to manage feeding problems, poor weight gain, reflux, diarrhea, and cow’s milk protein allergy.

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2. Definitions