Nutrition Interventions for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Homemade Blended Formulas
Appendix N
Families often ask about making their own blenderized feedings. This may be a less
expensive alternative to formula. Many families want to nourish their child with the
same foods the family is eating. A commercial alternative, made from blenderized
table foods, i.e., chicken, fruits and vegetables, is available (See Appendix S).
Home blended formulas can be less expensive, but more time is consumed
to prepare them. Families need to be aware of their child’s dietary needs and
restrictions. The RD can help support the family by monitoring growth, hydration,
and formula tolerance, and can analyze the formula to insure optimal growth and
nutrient intake. Parents should understand food safety, to prevent contamination of
the formula. When using a home blended formula, supplements may be necessary to
meet nutrient requirements.
Milk or infant formula can serve as a base for the blenderized diet, which can contain
a variety of foods. A “recipe” should be made to guide food choices and portions
to best meet nutritional needs. If the child is able to take oral feeds by spoon, the
remainder can be supplemented via tube. Home-blended formulas are best delivered
through a gastrostomy tube because these feedings are viscous and may clog a
narrow nasogastric tube.
Easy Blenderized Tube Feeding
3 jars (2.5 oz each) strained baby food meat
3 jars (4 oz) baby vegetables – one should be green leafy, e.g., spinach
and one orange, e.g., carrots or squash
3 jars (4 oz) baby fruits
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
2.5 cups whole milk
6 tablespoons infant rice cereal
7 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder
1 tablespoon dark corn syrup
Yield = 1500 cc or 50 oz
Energy = 1500 kcal or 30 kcal/oz
Nutrients
66 grams protein (18% of calories)
67 grams fat (40% of calories)
159 grams carbohydrates (42% of calories)
10 grams fiber
100% of DRI for children ages 1-3 years. NOTE - A liquid vitamin or dissolved
children’s multiple vitamin/mineral supplement may be needed to meet the DRI’s
for older children. Use of this recipe should be assessed by your child’s physician
and RD. Additional recipes and details can be found in “Homemade Blended
Formula Handbook” (by MD Klein and SE Morris (10).
Nutrition Interventions for Children With Special Health Care Needs 355