Prem baby

[shia123]

Hi guys my boy is just 4 months now and he was a prem baby and he born when I was 34 week preg and now I am wondering when I should start his solids

[Cheekymonkey85]

I would speak to your health visitor regarding this to double check it’s the same for prem babies, but I’d say when he shows the signs of being ready- sitting, supporting his head, being able to hold bits of food and bring them to his mouth. It’s normally around 6months of age x

[shia123 in reply to Cheekymonkey85]

He can’t sit but he can hold his head and normally eating his fingers most of the time and yes I will check with plunket nurse 😊

[Clearslug in reply to Cheekymonkey85]

Hi, my son was born at 33+4 , it took him ages to gain his head control so we ended up weaning him at just under 8 months (so he’d have been about bang on 6 months had he been term). I was going to wait a bit longer but as he was on the lower weight centiles it was recommended by my health visitor to help him gain some extra weight. He took to it really well though and is now a happy, healthy 3 and a half year old with a big appetite! Just have a chat with your HV and they’ll be able to advise ☺️

[Msze]

I thought the rule for babies was after the doctor clears you at the 6 month checkup? I would not start without doctor clearing you- could be very dangerous..

[roxannacar in reply to Msze]

There's no fixed 6 month check up in the UK. Gp sees them at 8 weeks before first lot of jabs. As for children born at term developing normally there is no need for the gp to give you a go ahead at 6 months. Some health visitors will offer weaning sessions but these are few and far between with covid. I just got a leaflet for my 4 month old and I'm to contact HV if I had any questions (baby 3 for me so not an issue). For pre term babies they would normally still be under follow up from hospital so worth asking them.

[leamice]

My twins were born at 34 weeks and I was told it was very important to start weaning at 6 months (and not later). I was in regular contact with my HV as I had a bit of a traumatic experience following the birth... anyway, she had told me tummy time from newborn and to sit them up supported in front of me on floor as often as possible to help build their core strength and aid sitting and swallowing. They were fine in an IKEA high chair with the support insert cushion by 6 months and took to food brilliantly. Xx