Nutrition for a child with a congenital heart defect

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Nutrition for a child with a congenital heart defect

Nutrition is very important for children who have congenital heart defects. Getting your child to eat right can be a challenge. Children with congenital heart defects:

• Often tire when eating, so they eat less and may not get enough calories. Feeding may take longer than you expect.
• Tend to use more calories (have a higher metabolic rate) than other children.

To help overcome feeding difficulties or lack of weight gain:

• Learn to recognize your baby's first signs of hunger, such as fidgeting and sucking on a fist. This will help you to initiate feeding before your baby starts to cry. Your baby will have more energy to eat well if he or she isn't tired from crying.
• Use a soft, special nipple made for babies born early (premature infants). These nipples make it is easier for your baby to get enough formula or breast milk if you bottle-feed.
• Burp your baby often, especially when using a bottle. Babies who have trouble sucking take in large amounts of air when they eat, which makes them feel full before they get enough formula or breast milk.
• Feed small, frequent meals. Smaller meals do not require as much energy to eat or digest.

If you have difficulty preparing balanced meals, talk with a registered dietitian.

Credits

Last updated:	October 25, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Larry A. Latson, MD - Pediatric Cardiology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC