Just when you’ve wrapped your head around your premature baby’s milk intake, it’s time to think about weaning. The thought of introducing solid foods to your premature baby’s diet may feel a little daunting, but whilst things may take a little longer for preterm babies, their weaning journey will follow the same principles.
Most babies are ready to start weaning at around 6 months. However, for premature babies it’s especially important to wait until they can develop enough head control before introducing solid foods. This tends to happen when they’re at least three months corrected age7.
Some babies (not many) are ready to wean at 5 months, whilst others won’t start eating their first solids until they’re older. It’s important to remember that every baby is different when it comes to weaning. That’s why it’s so important to let your baby lead the way and wait until they show signs that they’re ready for weaning.
Remember to always consult with your health visitor if you think your baby is ready to start weaning, as the advice for weaning premature babies is different to the advice around weaning babies born at full term.