Premmie

We had twin premature girls. 33 weeks gestational at 4 lbs & 4 lbs 1 oz. Most doctors will tell you that premature babies will completely catch up, developmental wise, by the age of 2. But I think it differs with every child. Babies catch on really quick...I would stimulate them and let them show you if they are ready for the next step. Our girls was never behind full term babies, in fact, they were ahead. They had over 150 words vocabulary by the time they were 18 months. As far as eating, we incorporated cereal into their bottles at 8 weeks (actual age) to help them sleep through the night and offered solid foods at 6 months (actual age), starting with vegetables. Hope this helped. Good luck!

Hello A..

I also have a preemie. Anaya was born at 23 week weighing only 15 oz. She spent 6 months in the hospital. When she came home, she was like a newborn (even though she was six months old actual age). I didn’t start solids until well after her first birthday (due to the feeding tube). With your baby I would wait on solids until he is at least 4 to 5 months adjusted, unless he is showing signs of being hungry more often. Then I would start with some small amounts of rice cereal in his milk and go from there. Also when you do start foods, start with the veggies first because if fruits or anything sweet is the first taste of real food, then he wont want anything else. I hope this give just a little insight on first foods. If you have any more questions on preemies feel free to contact me either through MamaSource or ____@____.com

My preemie is now a healthy 29 month old and although she is only 20 lbs, she is healthy vibrant and full of life.

My first son was born at 27 weeks and was 2 lbs, 5 oz. I did use his adjusted age to determine when to start things, including starting solid foods. At his 9 month check-up the pediatrician told me at that time that I could use the half way point between his adjusted and actual as he seemed to be catching up. At his 12 month check-up the pediatrician told me to go ahead and use his actual age. Our pediatrician was using the milestones that most babies were suppose to hit as a gauge on whether to move him or not. The only thing that was behind for my son was his molars coming in, but that did not seem to worry either my doctor or my dentist. They did eventually come in. Now, hardly anyone believes me when I tell them how much of a preemie he was. Good luck and keep us posted!!!!

Our second child was also a preemie at 32 weeks, weighing in at 4 lbs. 5 oz. I think it is best just to go with your instincts. After a while you'll stop even adjusting the age in your mind. My preemie daughter is now 4 yrs old and has accomplished a lot of things at an earlier age than her older brother! You'd never know she was born way early. Don't worry if he is not a development stage exactly as planned since he was 2 months early. Of course your instincts will kick in if anything is really off especially since you've had another non-preemie child.