Overview: Newborn, Infant and Early Childhood Nutrition

Introduction

The Newborn, Infant, and Early Childhood Nutrition resources for Patient Care were developed to provide pediatricians and other pediatric clinicians with key information and guidance on nutrition, drawn from the most current AAP policies, guidelines, and research. This resource serves as a quick reference to stay current with the most important aspects of nutrition and nutrition-related conditions when working with patients and families.

Recent Updates and Expansion

These Patient Care resources were first developed in 2021, with a focus on newborn and infant nutrition. Recently, the resources underwent a comprehensive update and were expanded to cover the early childhood years as well. This latest version includes the most recent information on 

• Nutrition advocacy 
• Health assessment and promotion
• Nutrition assessment tools
• Breastfeeding
• Nutrition for the preterm, very low birth weight (VLBW) infant after NICU discharge
• Nutrition-related illnesses 

The information in Newborn, Infants, and Early Childhood Nutrition is fact-checked and up to date with the most current information available. It was crafted from well-vetted resources from the AAP including  

• The AAP Pediatric Nutrition handbook
• Policy statements, technical reports, and clinical practice guidelines 
• Recent research published in the medical literature 

AAP subject matter experts reviewed all content to ensure accuracy and alignment with AAP policy and with the most current information available. These experts included relevant AAP member committees, sections, and councils.  

This review is essential since, over the past 95 years, the AAP has been the leading organization for pediatricians and the children they care for. The AAP provides those who care for children with the most up-to-date and evidence-based information. The AAP is the leading publisher of child health information in the world.  

How to Use These Resources

The Newborn, Infant, and Early Childhood Nutrition resources were designed to provide a high-level survey of the most important aspects of nutrition for these early age groups. Key facts and guidance have been drawn from AAP research and resources regarding various nutrition-related topics. These resources can be used in several ways. 

• Nutrition Knowledge Enhancement: Review all the content contained within this Patient Care section to refresh or enhance your understanding of the most current research and guidance on nutrition topics. 
• Point of Care Guidance: Consult specific topics that present when seeing patients, to aid in your diagnoses or management plans, or to guide discussions with patients and caregivers about nutrition.
• Deep Learning and Engagement: Throughout this resource, links and recommendations are provided if you wish to do more extensive study on a topic or review policies and research that serve as the basis for guidance.