How many months should premature infants take milk powder (Feeding Guide for Premature Infants)
With the continuous development of medical technology, the survival rate of premature infants continues to improve. However, there are still many challenges in feeding premature infants, and for many new parents, how to feed premature infants is a difficult task. This article will introduce in detail the selection of infant milk powder, feeding methods, feeding amounts, and food allergies to help parents better understand and care for premature infants.
Choice of milk powder
For premature babies, finding the right milk powder is very important. According to research, it is best for premature infants to drink pre-concentrated milk powder because the nutritional content of pre-concentrated milk powder is more balanced. At the same time, pre-concentrated milk powder is also easier for babies to digest. Of course, the choice of milk powder should be based on the doctor\’s advice and the actual situation of the baby.
Characteristics of pre-concentrated milk powder
Pre-concentrated milk powder can be prepared in the hospital and used when the baby needs it. They often contain high concentrations of protein and minerals, which are beneficial to the growth and development of premature babies. Pre-concentrated milk powder also contains enough sugar to ensure that your baby\’s energy needs are met.
Choose the right milk powder
Although pre-concentrated milk powder is the best choice, whether to drink milk powder depends on the specific situation of premature infants. If the doctor believes that the baby needs to be fed based on other nutritional sources, then formula milk should not be chosen.
Track your baby’s milk intake
To ensure your baby is getting adequate nutrition, you should keep track of the milk your baby is drinking. Parents can achieve this by measuring their baby\’s weight using a feeding set, measuring cup or scale. If your baby isn\’t feeding normally or isn\’t getting enough breast milk or formula, your doctor may recommend a fat emulsion infusion.
Feeding methods
Feeding methods for premature infants need to be further determined based on the doctor’s recommendations. The first goal in successfully feeding a premature infant is to ensure that your baby is getting adequate nutrients. Here are some common feeding methods.
Gastric tube feeding
Gastric tube feeding is a common feeding method. This method delivers nutrients directly into your baby\’s stomach through a gastric tube. Tube feeding can be done through the nose or mouth. The doctor or nurse will insert a thin tube into the stomach and deliver nutrients to your baby\’s stomach.
Dietary supplement feeding
If your baby is not suitable for breast milk or formula, your doctor may recommend dietary supplements. This method injects energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, etc. directly into your baby\’s veins or arteries.
Titration feeding
Titration feeding is a method of slowly, gradually increasing the amount of food you feed. This method is determined by the doctor or nurse based on the baby\’s needs, time of administration, and food digestion ability. It is designed to ensure that your baby\’s body and digestive system adapt to the new nutrients to avoid discomfort or allergic reactions.
Feeding amount
Determining the feeding amount is one of the problems that must be solved during the feeding of premature infants. Feeding too much or too littleIt can have a negative impact on your baby\’s health. Determination of feeding amount needs to be evaluated based on the baby\’s growth and development, handout information, allergy history and other factors.
Calculate feeding amount based on weight
The amount of feeding can be determined by the baby\’s weight. The amount of milk your baby drinks each time should be 2.5% to 3% of his body weight. For example, if the baby weighs 2 kg, he should drink 60 ml to 70 ml of milk each time.
Baby meal time
Baby\’s meal times should be decided by the baby. If your baby\’s stomach doesn\’t feel hungry, then they shouldn\’t be forced to eat. The right time will change as the baby grows and develops, but parents can try to let the baby drink milk every three hours. If your baby performs well when drinking milk, you can gradually extend the feeding interval, but you still need to pay attention to ensure that your baby gets enough nutrients.
Pay attention to your baby’s physical signs
Feeding premature babies requires parents to carefully observe the baby\’s signs. Whether the baby is energetic, has enough urine output, and has dry lips are all signs that the baby is getting enough nutrition. If parents find that their baby\’s physical signs are abnormal, they should seek medical advice promptly.
Food allergy
Premature infants may be more susceptible to food allergic reactions than full-term infants. Premature babies require special attention because their immune and gastrointestinal systems are not fully developed. A baby\’s allergic reaction to milk powder or other foods may cause vomiting, diarrhea, red skin, fatigue and other symptoms.
Learn if your baby is allergic to certain foods
Parents should carefully understand whether their baby is allergic to a specific food to avoid frequent discomfort. Some common foods with allergies include eggs, nuts, milk, and seafood. If your baby is allergic to certain foods, parents should try to avoid including them in their baby\’s daily diet.
Is the baby in the allergic stage
Although most babies don\’t develop allergic reactions to food until around six months old, premature babies may be allergic at any time. If parents suspect that their baby is allergic to a certain food, they can temporarily remove the food from the baby\’s diet and gradually reintroduce it if the allergy symptoms are relieved.
Follow the advice of your doctor or nurse
Babies have different nutritional needs, and some require special attention to food allergies from early on. Parents should carefully follow the advice of their doctor or nurse and adjust their baby\’s diet according to their recommendations to ensure that their baby gets adequate nutrition.
Summary
Feeding premature infants is a serious task for parents. Choosing the appropriate milk powder, feeding method and amount are crucial to the health and development of premature infants. At the same time, it is also necessary to carefully understand the baby\’s food allergies and promptly track and adjust the baby\’s diet structure. Staying in close contact with doctors and nurses can help parents better manage their baby\’s feedings.
