Because every child has individual needs, there are a variety of infant and pediatric formulas from which to choose. Not only are there several categories of formulas including milk protein-based, soy protein-based, hydrolyzed protein, and amino acid-based, but there are differences between products within each category. Research is being done in the area of formula design for the prevention or treatment of disease. In this article, the authors review types of formulas and their indications for use for infants and children, and review current literature on formula trends.

Growth velocity assessment is a means for tracking growth in infants and children over time. With the revision of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts in 2000 and the introduction of the World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts in 2006, there is a need for an updated growth velocity reference to provide data that better align with these current charts. In this article, the authors provide data on weight velocity for males and females from birth through 20 years using the WHO data and the revised CDC data. Weight velocity charts can be especially useful when patients are seen within short time intervals and can be used to set weight goals for children requiring nutrition support and for children who are chronically ill.