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Factors affecting the introduction of complementary foods in the preterm infant

F J Norris1, M S Larkin, C M Williams

  • 1School of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|May 10, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Many carers introduced solid foods to preterm infants before guidelines recommended. Compliance with Department of Health (DoH) guidelines for infant weaning was poor, indicating a need for further research into long-term effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neonatology
  • Infant Nutrition

Background:

  • Current infant feeding practices for preterm infants are not well-documented.
  • Understanding these practices is crucial for ensuring optimal infant growth and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify current infant feeding practices among carers of preterm infants.
  • To assess compliance with established Department of Health (DoH) guidelines for introducing complementary foods.

Main Methods:

  • Structured interviews were conducted with mothers of 253 preterm infants.
  • Feeding practices were monitored until infants reached 12 months corrected age.
  • Data collection occurred in three hospitals over a two-year period.

Main Results:

  • 49% of preterm infants received solids before the general DoH guideline (17.1 weeks corrected age).
  • 95% received solids before the term infant guideline (11.5 weeks corrected age).
  • 21% received solids before the preterm infant guideline (infant weighing at least 5 kg).

Conclusions:

  • Infant feeding practices, particularly the introduction of complementary foods, varied significantly among carers of preterm infants.
  • Compliance with DoH guidelines was notably poor.
  • Further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of these weaning practices on preterm infant growth and morbidity.
Abstract

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