Healthy Weight Gain In Premature Babies

Starting on a positive note it’s important to know that, premature babies do eventually get healthy by the end of around 2 years of age if they are given proper nutrition and care as per the pediatrician. Some babies may require 6 months whereas some may require about 10 months for the same, but even the babies that are 1.5 kg at birth will eventually get healthy as the ones born around 3kgs.

During the journey of weight gain for premature babies and making your baby healthier, one important thing to do is to go for regular check-ups and follow-ups with your pediatrician to document proper milestones, early detection of any kind of delay, and address any queries related to your baby. Go for regular check-ups strictly at least for the first 6 months as suggested by your pediatrician.

Also, the parents should know that it’s completely fine to lose some amount of weight in the first 7 days (for a baby is born 3kg, he/she will lose around 300grms of weight) and then start gaining weight eventually.

Depending on the birth weight of the baby, start with appropriate supplements and adequate nutrition as suggested by your pediatrician. Babies with a birth weight of 1.5kgs and below or the ones born before the 34^th week might also require hospitalization for the first 7 days or so to prevent any kind of infection.

Above all breastfeed your baby well as it’s the best way to support healthy weight gain in your babies and also pay attention to signs like the breast feeling lighter after feeding, the baby getting comfortable and falling asleep after feeding, the baby is passing urine 6-8 times a day and the baby is gaining 150-200grams of weight at the end of a week, to indicate that your baby is getting enough nutrition and feeding well.