Proper Weaning Methods for Premature Babies

Proper Way and MethodWeaning Premature Babies

When it comes to weaning a baby, age is a very important factor. Determining the right age for weaning your baby helps ensure a smooth process. Therefore, you need to identify the right age for your baby so they have developed sufficiently, but some babies are born prematurely.

You cannot approach them like other children. If you do not know when it is appropriate to wean your baby, this part ofPregnancyand BabySelMagzread until the end.

When Should You Wean a Premature Baby?

1. Look for Signs

Allow your child to show signs themselves. There may be times when you feel your child is ready to be weaned. During this period, graduallyintroduce solid foodsto them. Try to get them used to chewing different foods.

2. Consider Birth Date and Age

Recent guidelines for weaning premature babies indicate that you should wait about five to eight months past their due date.

3. Use a Weaning Formula for Premature Infants

You might want to delay this until your child fully reaches 12 months, but it’s better to follow the plans designed for premature babies.

4. Be Specific with Dates

A premature child is different from a typical child. For instance, if your child was born a month early, you should wait until they are at least 13 months old or older to wean them.

If they were born three months early, you should not do this before they turn 15 months, because a baby born early cannotconsume formulaas it can lead tostomach refluxandnauseaas well asheadaches.

5. Consult a Pediatric Specialist

It is best to consult a pediatric specialist before taking any action, perform necessary tests and see how your child’s growth is progressing for weaning.

Signs Indicating a Child is Ready to Be Weaned:

There are specific signs that can help you in this area:

• They may show a desire to eat the foods you are eating.
• They may try to put various objects into their mouth.
• Usually, shortly after breastfeeding, they feel hungry again and are not satisfied with milk alone.
• They also like to drink milk frequently.
• They often show chewing motions and moving their mouth up and down.
• They can sit up straight without assistance.

How to Wean a Premature Baby?

Most premature babies should go through the normal stages of weaning. Although some may need more time to adapt. Most babies naturally like sweet flavors, but starting with vegetables may have many advantages, so start with vegetables early, as it promotes a healthy eating habit.

Initial Steps of Weaning

First, introduce your child to various new flavors and be patient. Repeat these stages as necessary. Teach your child to use a spoon and chew. You can also use puree or finger foods.

Tips to Remember

Earlier in SelMagz, we explained this in detail; some more tips include:

1. Try to introduce solid foods to your child in very small amounts initially, as they may show allergies.Allergyto food is a common issue among children.
2. Show them different types of vegetables without mixing them with fruits to sweeten them, as if your child eats sweet things, they will lose interest in vegetables.
3. Do not add salt or sugar to solid foods, as it is both harmful and unnecessary at this age.
4. You can also introduce them to the taste of cool or warm water when starting solid foods.
5. Do not offer sweet drinks to them.
6. Expose your child to various flavors gradually.
7. Provide them with all the nutrients.
8. If your child suffers from digestive issues like stomach reflux, it is because they were born prematurely. So, you must be more cautious.
9. Since premature babies have more sensitive respiratory conditions, you should definitely consult a pediatrician before introducing solid foods.