Weaning your premature baby

Premature babies are babies born before 37 weeks. They need foods high in nutrition to help them grow and develop.

Introducing your baby to solid foods is often called 'weaning'. This is a great time to bond with your baby.

When to start weaning your premature baby

Babies develop at different stages. Your baby's stage of development is more important than their age.

Start introducing solid foods when your baby shows at least 3 signs that they are ready for solids.

These signs are that they:

• can sit up by themselves with only a little support
• can hold their head up easily and keep it up while sitting
• explore objects with their fingers, hands and mouth
• can reach and grasp for food
• open their mouth when food is being offered
• bite or chew toys

Your baby may have developed all the skills they need to eat solid foods from a corrected age of about 5 to 6 months.

Corrected age is your baby's age minus the number of weeks or months they were born early. For example, if your 7 month baby was born 2 months early, their corrected age is 5 months.

Premature babies and development

Solid foods to give your baby

Premature babies usually have smaller tummies. They need to eat small amounts of nutritious foods often.

Include protein, energy-rich and iron-rich foods in your baby’s diet.

For example:

• mashed or blended meat or fish that is boneless
• mashed or blended banana, avocado or potato
• lentils or beans
• porridge or fortified cereals that are low in sugar
• foods that are safe for your baby from your culture

Breastfeeding while weaning your baby can help them get used to eating solid foods. Your milk supply will adjust to this change. You can breastfeed for as long as you want.

There is no evidence that premature babies are more likely to develop allergies.

Food allergies and babies

Nutrients your baby needs

As your baby's feeding skills progress, you can introduce more textures, tastes and baby-led weaning.

Weaning tips