Courses

Recent Trends in the Nutritional Care of Healthy, Term Infants

How can we optimize nutrition for healthy term infants?

Presenter: Sharon Groh-Wargo, PhD, RDN

Program Date: 17 September 2025

Publication Date: 15 January 2026

Continuing Education Credits: Nurse Contact 1.0 CE; Dietitian 1.0 CPEU

Course Description

Discover evidence-based strategies for supporting healthy growth and nutrition in term infants. Participants will gain insight into growth expectations, breastfeeding and formula-feeding recommendations, and the introduction of complementary foods, along with micronutrient supplementation. Originally presented as a live webinar on 17 September 2025.

Course Objectives:
  • Define growth expectations of term infants.
  • Describe recommendations for breast and bottle-fed infants.
  • Discuss feeding progressions of the first year.
Key Takeaways:
  • Infancy is a key opportunity to provide excellent nutrition to support a period of rapid growth and development during the first year. Use WHO growth charts to track weight, length, and head circumference. Recognizing catch-down growth in large-for-gestational-age infants is important to prevent early obesity risk.
  • Breastfeeding remains the recommended feeding for nearly all newborns, but it can be challenging for mothers with diabetes, and caution is advised for those with chronic or substantial marijuana use. When breastfeeding is not possible, commercial infant formula is the safest alternative. Avoid homemade formulas and non-dairy beverages and ensure a safe water source for preparation.
  • Feeding progressions in the first year of life should introduce complementary foods around six months, ensure vitamin D and iron supplementation as needed, and promote responsive feeding and early introduction of allergens.

Performance Indicators: 5.2.6, 9.1.1, 9.1.5

Activity Code: 190994

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Related Questions:
  • What growth pattern should clinicians watch for in large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants?
    LGA infants, especially those of diabetic mothers, may exhibit a “catch-down” growth pattern, which means a convergence toward the mean with a decline in weight z-score. Infants who do not demonstrate this deceleration in weight are at increased risk for early obesity.
  • What are common barriers to breastfeeding?
    Some common barriers include diminished intent, delayed lactogenesis, decreased initiation, difficulties with latching, perceived low milk supply, and psychological barriers such as negative body image and concerns about breastfeeding in public.
  • What are the risks of homemade formulas and non-dairy beverages?
    Homemade formulas should never be used because they’re not regulated by the FDA and can cause serious health consequences for infants. Plant-based milks (except fortified soy after 12 months) do not meet infants’ nutritional needs because they are too low in protein and lack essential nutrients; therefore, they should not be used for infants. When breastfeeding is not possible, commercial infant formula is the safest alternative.

Course Instructor Bio(s)

Sharon Groh-Wargo, PhD, RDN

Professor, Nutrition and Pediatrics 
Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine 
Cleveland, OH, USA

Dr Groh-Wargo has over 40 years of experience as a Neonatal Dietitian, is a nationally known speaker and researcher, and has authored numerous publications on neonatal nutrition. She is a contributor to all three editions of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Pocket Guide to Neonatal Nutrition and authored a chapter on “Lactoengineering” for the 3rd edition of “Infant and Pediatric Feedings: Guidelines for Preparation of Human Milk and Formula in Health Care Facilities”. She participates in the BEGIN Project – Breastmilk Ecology: Genesis of Infant Nutrition, sponsored by the NIH in cooperation with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which was convened to investigate human milk as a unique biological system. Dr Groh-Wargo received the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Medallion Award in recognition of her professional contributions.

Category
CE CPEU Neonatal Growth & Development
Highlighted References:
  • Stewart DL, et al. Pediatrics. 2019;144(5):e20192760.
  • De Fluiter KS, et al. JAMA Pediatr. 2020;174(12):1141–1148.
  • Meek JY, et al. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057988. 
  • Meek JY, et al. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057989. 
  • Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession. 9th Edition. Elsevier, 2022:319-320.
  • Ventura AK, et al. JAND. 2024;124(9):1149-1161.
  • Weber M, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;99(5):1041-51.
  • Johnson AJ, et al. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2025;125(4):515-527.e8. 
  • American Academy of Pediatrics Committee. Pediatrics. 1995;95:777. 
  • Taylor SN, et al. Neoreviews. 2022;23(2):e108-e116.

Abbott Nutrition’s Provider Statement for Nursing CEs:

Abbott Nutrition Health Institute is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the California Board of Registered Nursing Provider #CEP 11213.

Abbott Nutrition’s Statement for Dietitian CPEUs:

This educational activity has been prior-approved by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). CDR credentialed practitioners will receive the specified continuing professional education units (CPEUs) for completion of this program/material.