What feeding strategy is appropriate for optimizing nutrition in an infant with heart failure?

Small frequent feedings are appropriate for optimizing nutrition in an infant with heart failure for several reasons. Infants with heart failure often have increased metabolic demands and may tire easily during feeding. By providing smaller, more frequent meals, caregivers can ensure that the infant receives adequate nutrition without overwhelming them, which can occur with larger feedings.

This strategy not only helps in managing the infant's energy levels but also reduces the risk of feeding intolerance, which can be common in infants with cardiac issues. Smaller feeds can be easier to digest and may help avoid complications such as vomiting or aspiration, which can be problematic in infants with heart failure.

In contrast, feeding every 5 hours, offering a single large feeding once a day, or skipping feedings altogether can lead to inadequate caloric intake, malnutrition, and increased fatigue during feeding sessions, all of which can worsen the infant's overall condition and complicate heart failure management. Thus, small frequent feedings combine nutrition optimization with the management of the infant's energy and comfort levels.