Certificate in Infant and Toddler Nutrition (CITN)

The Certificate in Infant and Toddler Nutrition is a short-term professional program designed to provide comprehensive knowledge of nutritional needs from birth to three years of age. This critical phase of life lays the foundation for optimal growth, brain development, immunity, and long-term health. The course integrates scientific principles with practical feeding strategies, focusing on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, toddler nutrition, and management of common feeding challenges. It is ideal for nutrition students, healthcare professionals, childcare providers, and wellness practitioners seeking to build expertise in evidence-based infant and toddler nutrition and effective parent counselling.

Programme Structure

International Affiliation with

Module 1: Foundations of Infant & Toddler Growth

• Growth and development from birth to 3 years
• Physical, cognitive, and emotional milestones
• Importance of first 1000 days of life
• Growth charts and growth monitoring (WHO standards)
• Identifying normal vs delayed growth patterns

Module 2: Infant Feeding & Nutrition (0–12 Months)

• Breastfeeding physiology and benefits
• Exclusive breastfeeding (0–6 months)
• Formula feeding: types, preparation, precautions
• Infant nutrient requirements (macro & micro)
• Vitamin D, Iron, Calcium, Zinc supplementation

Module 3: Complementary Feeding & Weaning

• Readiness signs for complementary feeding
• Food textures, consistency & progression
• Feeding frequency & portion sizes
• Traditional Indian weaning foods
• Responsive feeding & avoiding force feeding
• Meal planning (6–8 months, 9–11 months, 12 months)

Module 4: Toddler Nutrition & Feeding Behavior (1–3 Years)

• Nutritional requirements of toddlers
• Appetite fluctuations & growth spurts
• Picky eating, food refusal, neophobia
• Milk intake, sugar, salt & processed foods
• Healthy snacks and finger foods 

Module 5: Clinical Nutrition & Common Disorders

• Underweight & failure to thrive
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Constipation, diarrhoea , colic and gastrointestinal discomfort & recurrent infections
• Food allergies & intolerances
• Nutrition during illness & recovery 

Module 6: Practical Application & Parent Counselling

• Diet assessment tools for infants & toddlers
• Meal planning & diet chart preparation
• Parent counselling skills & communication
• Addressing myths and cultural beliefs
• Case studies & real-life scenarios 

Eligibility

Any Diploma holder/ graduation/ B.tech/ B.Sc. in Nutrition/ Home Science/ Microbiology/ Life Sciences/ Botany/ Zoology/ Food Science/ Food Technology/ BE/ B.Pharma/ MBBS/ BDS/ BHMS/ BUMS/ BAMS or any other discipline. 

Programme Duration

The duration of the certificate programme is 4 days.

Programme Mode

Registration is currently open for Part-time (Online Live Classes) mode.

Programme Deliverables

• The training material is appropriately aligned with the current Industry's expectations.
• Interactive online live sessions on all key areas of the programme giving all flexibility to the participants.
• Online discussion of the certificate programme topics for ensuring active participation of each attendee.
• All learning and training delivery initiatives shall be conducted in English.

Assessment & Certification

Online assessment will be conducted at the end of the programme and after successful completion; the participants will be awarded the Certificate in Infant and Toddler Nutrition by Centre for Nutrition and Dietetics Studies, IGMPI.

Discipline in Classes and Examination

Every student is required to observe a disciplined behaviour during her/his classes, assessments & examinations and to follow instructions from the Professors. Any act of indiscipline may result into discredit & it will be mentioned in her/his academic report.

Future Career Prospects

The Certificate in Infant and Toddler Nutrition offered by the Centre for Nutrition and Dietetics Studies (CNDS), IGMPI, equips participants with comprehensive expertise in requirements and assessing dietary adequacy. Career opportunities for certified professionals include roles as Nutrition Advisors, Dietetic Assistants, Pediatric nutrition consultants, infant feeding counsellors, childcare and preschool nutrition advisors, or community nutrition educators. The program also supports opportunities in private practice, wellness coaching, content development, and entrepreneurship in child nutrition services, while serving as a strong foundation for further specialization in Pediatric and public health nutrition.

View Prospectus

Apply Online

Last date for submitting completed Application Form: 22^nd Jan 2026.

For further enquiries, call or write to us on:
18001031071 (Toll Free -9:00 am to 5:30 pm IST-except on Central Government holidays)/ info@igmpi.ac.in