Feeding practices of the very low-birth-weight infant within the first year.
Information summarized from early feeding practices of VLBW infants (1,500 gm. or less at birth) identified three prevalent practices which potentially could result in compromised nutrition for these babies: (1) Cereals were introduced at an early age. Feeding cereals before infants are developmentally ready may decrease formula intake or result in a forced feeding situation. (b) Two percent and skim milk were fed to approximately 50% of these infants within their first year of life. Feeding calorically dilute milk may reduce energy intake, as well as compromise the intake of essential fatty acids. (c) Whole cow's milk was introduced to some VLBW infants at an early age. The feeding of cow's milk to young infants without appropriate supplementation may predispose these infants to significant nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. Any one of these feeding practices could affect an infant's nutrient intake. If all three are encountered in the same baby, growth may be adversely affected. Whether increased attention to appropriate feeding practices during the first year of life would result in a more favorable growth outcome for VLBW infants is not known.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors