![]() ![]() It might be as little as 5 grams a day for a tiny baby at 24 weeks, or 20 to 30 grams (about 1 ounce) a day for a larger baby at 33 or more weeks.Sicker babies may need to be given more calories in order to grow at the desired rate. The desired weight gain depends on the baby's size and gestational age. Most premature infants should start gaining weight within a few days of birth.It is normal for babies to lose weight in the first few days of life.In the NICU, babies are weighed every day.Premature babies with slow growth appear to have more delayed development in research studies. Weight gain is monitored closely for all babies. Watery or bloody stools or regular vomiting could signal a problem. They should have 8 to 10 feedings and at least 6 to 8 wet diapers each day. After each feeding, babies should seem satisfied. ![]() This may include babies who are not able to take in a sufficient volume of milk through breastfeeding to get the calories they need to grow well. Some babies will need more supplementation than others. For breastfeeding infants, this may mean a bottle or two of fortified breast milk per day as well as iron and vitamin D supplements. Some infants will need to continue taking nutritional supplements after they leave the hospital.Babies fed formula may need to take supplements of certain nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and D, and folic acid. This gives them extra protein, calories, iron, calcium, and vitamins. Babies who are given breast milk may need a supplement called human milk fortifier mixed into their feedings.Premature babies have not been in the womb long enough to store up the nutrients they need and must usually take some supplements. Older preterm babies (34 to 36 weeks gestation) may be switched to regular formula or a transitional formula.These formulas have more added calcium and protein to meet the special growth needs of premature babies. Special preterm formulas can also be used.Many NICUs will give donor milk from a milk bank to high-risk babies who cannot get enough milk from their own mother.Human milk can protect babies against infections and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as well as NEC.Human milk from the baby's own mother is the best for babies born early and at very low birth weight. Blood tests are also done to monitor electrolyte levels.The NICU team keeps track of how much premature babies urinate (by weighing their diapers) to make sure that their fluid intake and urine output are balanced.The kidneys in a premature baby have not grown enough to control water levels in the body.Premature infants may lose more water through the skin or respiratory tract than babies born at full term.This is especially true for very premature infants. These babies can become dehydrated or over-hydrated. Preterm babies have a harder time maintaining the proper water balance in their bodies. For this reason, even older premature babies may need gavage feedings in some cases. However, they may also have problems maintaining proper suction at the breast to get enough milk to meet their needs. This is because the flow from a bottle is harder for them to control and they can choke or stop breathing. Premature babies may have an easier time with breastfeeding than bottle feeding at first. Babies who are fed human milk are less likely to get NEC.īabies who are less premature (born after 34 to 37 weeks gestation) often can be fed from a bottle or the mother's breast. This reduces the risk for an intestinal infection called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The amount of milk or formula is increased very slowly, especially for very premature babies. Newborn babies who are very small or sick may need to get nutrition and fluids through a vein (IV).Īs they get stronger, they can start to get milk or formula through a tube that goes into the stomach through the nose or mouth. Other illness can also interfere with a newborn's ability to feed by mouth. This is because they are not yet mature enough to coordinate sucking, breathing, and swallowing. Moist air is also used to help them maintain body temperature and avoid fluid loss.īabies born before 34 to 37 weeks often have problems feeding from a bottle or a breast. This reduces the energy the babies have to use to stay warm. ![]() Incubators or special warmers help babies maintain their body temperature. They are watched closely to make sure they are getting the right balance of fluids and nutrition. Premature babies will often stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Babies born at less than 37 weeks gestation (premature) have different nutritional needs than babies born at full term (after 38 weeks). ![]()
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