Definitions

Here you can find a list of terms used to describe different aspects of children’s nutrition.

Anemia is a condition when there are not enough red blood cells in the body or their ability to carry oxygen throughout the body is lowered.

Complementary foods are foods or drinks other than breast milk or infant formula (e.g., infant cereals, fruits, vegetables, water).

Exclusive breastfeeding means feeding your baby only breast milk, not any other foods or liquids (including infant formula or water), except for medications or vitamin and mineral supplements.

Fortify means adding vitamins and minerals to a food or drink.

International Units (IU) is a unit of measurement for vitamins and minerals.

Iron deficient describes people who do not get enough iron.

Iron deficiency anemia is anemia that is caused when people do not get enough iron.

Preterm infant is an infant who is born before 37 weeks gestation.

Textures are how food can feel to your baby’s mouth and hands. Some foods may be smooth, while others will have lumps.

Weaning from breastfeeding is the process of switching a baby’s diet from breast milk to other foods and drinks.