CNM CNM Infant & Toddler Nutrition 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: At what age does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend introducing solid foods to an infant?
- Around 6 months of age (Correct answer)
- At 3 months when the infant shows hunger cues
- At 9 months when teeth begin to emerge
- At 12 months alongside whole cow's milk
Correct answer: Around 6 months of age
The AAP recommends starting solid foods around 6 months when most infants show developmental readiness signs.
Question 2: Which of the following is a sign that an infant is developmentally ready for solid foods?
- Can sit with minimal support and hold head steady (Correct answer)
- Has doubled birth weight only
- Reaches for food with a pincer grasp
- Has cut at least two teeth
Correct answer: Can sit with minimal support and hold head steady
Head and trunk control indicates the physical maturity needed to safely swallow pureed solids.
Question 3: What is the recommended first food texture for a 6-month-old beginning solids?
- Smooth, single-ingredient purees (Correct answer)
- Soft finger foods cut into small pieces
- Mashed table foods with multiple ingredients
- Thinly sliced fruits and vegetables
Correct answer: Smooth, single-ingredient purees
Single-ingredient smooth purees allow the caregiver to identify food allergies and let the infant adjust to new textures gradually.
Question 4: Which food is a known choking hazard for toddlers under age 4 and should be avoided or modified?
- Whole grapes (Correct answer)
- Soft banana pieces
- Well-cooked pasta
- Scrambled eggs
Correct answer: Whole grapes
Whole grapes are round and firm enough to completely block a young child's airway and must always be cut in half or quarters.
Question 5: Honey should NOT be given to infants under 12 months because it:
- May contain Clostridium botulinum spores that can cause infant botulism (Correct answer)
- Contains too much natural sugar for immature kidneys
- Triggers common food allergies in most infants
- Is too thick a texture for safe swallowing
Correct answer: May contain Clostridium botulinum spores that can cause infant botulism
Infant botulism from Clostridium botulinum spores in honey can be fatal because infants lack the gut flora to neutralize the toxin.
Question 6: What is the recommended daily milk intake for a toddler aged 12–24 months according to US dietary guidelines?
- 16–24 oz of whole cow's milk per day (Correct answer)
- 8 oz of cow's milk per day
- 32 oz or more of cow's milk per day
- No cow's milk; continue formula only
Correct answer: 16–24 oz of whole cow's milk per day
Toddlers aged 12–24 months need 16–24 oz of whole milk daily to support brain development while leaving room for varied solid foods.
CNM CNM Infant & Toddler Nutrition 1
At what age does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend introducing solid foods to an infant?