Disorders of infant feeding

Common in children under 1 year of age. Causative conditions may persist, leading to ongoing feeding difficulties during childhood.

Results in the inadequate intake or intolerance of fluids or nutrients necessary to meet the requirements for healthy growth in the long term. Failure to thrive may be a consequence of unresolved feeding problems of any aetiology.

Aetiologies are often complex and multifactorial, and are best managed by a multidisciplinary team. Causes include anatomical, neuromuscular/neurodevelopmental, immunological, physiological, and behavioural factors.

Diagnosis is usually clinical, with a consistent history supported by dietetic assessment. Complementary diagnostic tests and subsequent management are guided by physical findings and severity of symptoms.

Feeding disorders are usually subacute to chronic in nature. A sudden change in feeding habit may be associated with other conditions, notably infections, which need to be excluded.

Conditions that lead to inadequate intake or intolerance of fluids and nutrients in infants under 1 year of age.[1]Milnes SM, Piazza CC, Carroll-Hernandez TA. Assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders. Encyclopedia on early childhood development. March 2004. http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/ (last accessed 5 July 2017). http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/sites/default/files/textes-experts/en/535/assessment-and-treatment-of-pediatric-feeding-disorders.pdf The aetiology is often complex and multifactorial but can include anatomical, neurological/neuromuscular, neurodevelopmental, immunological, physiological, and behavioural problems.[1]Milnes SM, Piazza CC, Carroll-Hernandez TA. Assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding disorders. Encyclopedia on early childhood development. March 2004. http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/ (last accessed 5 July 2017). http://www.child-encyclopedia.com/sites/default/files/textes-experts/en/535/assessment-and-treatment-of-pediatric-feeding-disorders.pdf [2]Rommel N, De Meyer AM, Feenstra L, et al. The complexity of feeding problems in 700 infants and young children presenting to a tertiary care institution. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2003;37:75-84. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12827010?tool=bestpractice.com [3]Bernard-Bonnin AC. Feeding problems of infants and toddlers. Can Fam Physician. 2006;52:1247-1251. http://www.cfp.ca/content/52/10/1247.full.pdf http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17279184?tool=bestpractice.com [4]Field D, Garland M, Williams K. Correlates of specific childhood feeding problems. J Paediatr Child Health. 2003;39:299-304. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12755939?tool=bestpractice.com