Introduction and feeding practices of solid food in preterm infants born in Salzburg!

Abstract

Background It is shown that meeting the increased nutritional demand of preterm infants from birth is not only important for survival but essentially contributes to the infants` overall development and long-term health. While there are established guidelines for weaning term infants, evidence regarding preterm infants is scarce and less precise. The aim of this study was to identify the current practices on introducing solids to preterm infants amongst caregivers in Salzburg and determine potential reasons for early weaning. Methods Altogether 68 infants born between 24 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks were recruited and detailed structured interviews with the caregivers were conducted at 17 weeks corrected age. Weight, height and head circumference were collected. Results 52% of the study group received solids before the recommended 17 weeks corrected age. For this group the mean age being 13.77 ± 1.11 weeks corrected age. Premature introduction of solids significantly correlates with exclusively and early formula-feeding. 34% were weaned due to recommendation by their paediatrician. 23% of the preterm infants even received solids before 12 weeks corrected age, putting them at risks for developing obesity, celiac disease and diabetes. Conclusions This study shows the necessity for clear guidelines regarding the introduction of complementary feeding in preterm infants as well as the importance of their implementation. Caregivers should receive information on this topic early enough and they should fully understand the difference between chronological and corrected age.

Feeding Practices of Preterm Low Birthweight Infants Up to 6 Months: A Comparison Between Kangaroo and Conventional Care

“…From maternal reports, we note that the guidelines provided by pediatricians during outpatient consultations influence not only the continuation of BF, but also the decision to start complementary feeding. Our results agree with other studies, both for the introduction of infant formula (25) and solid foods (26).…”

“…Although, we found that, during follow-up, most participants consumed infant formula, without distinction between groups. The supply of this food in infant feeding has been associated in literature with the risk of early weaning and premature introduction of solid foods (23,26).…”

Comparison of the introduction of consistencies in complementary feeding introduction between preterm and full-term newborns - Cohort from 0 to 12 months

“…Our results demonstrated that both in the FNB and in the PTNB, the introduction of the pasty consistency occurred early, around four months of life, corroborating studies carried out with preterm infants, in which they were exposed to the offer of fruits/porridges before completing six months of corrected age (5,6,18,20,(22)(23)(24)(25) .…”

Comparação da introdução das consistências na introdução da alimentação complementar entre recém-nascidos prematuros e a termo - Coorte de 0 a 12 meses

“…Os resultados da presente pesquisa demonstraram que tanto nos RNT quanto nos RNPT, a introdução da consistência pastosa ocorreu precocemente, por volta dos quatro meses, corroborando com estudos realizados com prematuros, no qual os mesmos foram expostos à oferta de frutas/papas antes de completar seis meses de idade corrigida (5,6,18,20,(22)(23)(24)(25) .…”