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Milk formula for premature babies: what are the features of feeding babies
Unlike standard baby food, the formula for premature babies has a high content of vitamins and microelements. It is more high in calories, thanks to which the newborn gains strength and mass faster.
Which milk formulas are suitable for premature babies
A small baby who was born before the due date needs more nutrients than healthy, full-term babies. Therefore, special mixtures have been developed for such children. They can be distinguished by their name, which usually uses the designation “Pre”.
Formula for premature babies differs significantly from standard formulas for healthy babies
The composition of special baby food has the following properties:
- The increased protein content, which contributes to the development of fat and muscle mass, helps to build strength.
- The presence of whey protein – casein. Even the weakest child’s body assimilates it quickly.
- The high content of vitamins, microelements and polyunsaturated acids, due to which the baby’s bone tissue is strengthened, a strong immunity, vision is formed, and the deficiency of vital elements is replenished.
- The increased content of probiotic substances that improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, help the intestines cope with stress and reduce the risk of constipation and colic.
Thanks to this composition, the risk of iron deficiency anemia, rickets and other diseases associated with a lack of certain substances is reduced.
Features of feeding premature babies
The diet of a premature baby should be agreed with a pediatrician. You can not feed the baby more often than the doctor recommends, since a high concentration puts a lot of stress on the kidneys.
The doctor calculates the daily amount of the mixture depending on the weight of the crumbs. The baby’s weight is divided by 5, and the resulting number of milliliters will be the daily rate, which is distributed over 8 feedings. For example, if the weight of the child is 2,5 kg, then 2,5 / 5 = 500 ml – this is the amount of the mixture that the baby should eat per day. Accordingly, 62,5 ml should be given per feeding.
Doctors recommend adhering to the prescribed feeding regime for a low-birth-weight baby, day and night.
Formulas for underweight premature babies are available in a wide range. But still, it is better to select such food individually for each baby, after consulting a pediatrician. And after the baby’s weight reaches the normal for his age and stabilizes, transfer the newborn to the usual formula.