The standard human gestation period is calculated from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period, lasting 280 days. Newborns delivered before 37 weeks (259 days) are classified as preterm infants, while those born before 32 weeks (224 days) are considered extremely preterm.Live infants born before 37 full weeks of gestation are termed preterm or immature infants. Most weigh under 2,500 grams at birth with a head circumference below 33 cm. A small number of preterm infants may exceed 2,500 grams but still require specialized care due to inferior organ function and adaptive capacity compared to full-term infants.
How should preterm infants be fed?
Feeding typically begins with sugar water 6–12 hours after birth, progressing to breast milk or formula within 24 hours. Preterm infants weighing approximately 2 kg can be fed every 3 hours, while those under 1.5 kg should be fed every 2 hours.Milk volume calculation reference: For premature infants within the first 10 days: Daily milk volume (mL) = (Actual days since birth + 10) × Weight (kg) / 100. For infants over 10 days old: Daily milk volume (mL) = 1/5 to 1/4 of body weight (kg).
Breast milk is optimal for premature infants, as it is easily digested and absorbed, reducing the risk of diarrhea and indigestion. Premature infants with adequate sucking ability and weighing over 1.5 kg may breastfeed directly if their general condition is good. Begin with 1–2 feedings per day, each lasting 5–10 minutes. Start with a 2–3 minute feeding; if no signs of fatigue appear, gradually increase feeding duration and frequency.
Feeding premature infants requires extreme care and patience. Hold the baby upright during feeding to minimize choking and spitting up. If breastfeeding, mothers with abundant milk flow or a fast let-down may cause the baby to choke because they cannot swallow fast enough. In such cases, the mother can pinch the areola to slow the milk flow or express a small amount of milk first before feeding the baby.Since foremilk and hindmilk have different compositions—foremilk is richer in protein while hindmilk is higher in fat—both are essential for premature babies. Therefore, allow the baby to empty one breast before switching to the other. For formula-fed babies, choose an appropriately sized nipple: too large may cause choking, while too small requires excessive effort. Prepare formula fresh for each feeding and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods. Ensure feeding equipment is clean and sterilized daily.
After each feeding, hold the baby upright against your chest and gently pat their back. This helps release air swallowed during feeding to prevent spitting up. Before 3 months, many babies experience milk overflow—a small amount of milk may leak from the corners of their mouth after feeding, especially after straining or activity. This is normal and will gradually improve with age.If choking occurs, immediately turn the baby onto their side or face down and gently pat their back to clear milk from the nasopharynx and prevent suffocation. What to Note in Daily Care for Preemies 1. Feeding Frequency. During the first 1-2 months after birth, feed 8-10 times daily. By 3 months of age, feed at least 8 times daily.
2. Elimination. Change at least 6 wet diapers daily. For exclusively breastfed infants, 6+ wet diapers within 24 hours indicates sufficient milk supply and adequate feeding. Fewer than 5 wet diapers per 24 hours suggests insufficient milk intake.Breastfed infants typically produce 2–4 soft, butter-colored stools daily, indicating adequate milk intake and satiety. If stools are scant, green, or frothy, this suggests insufficient milk supply and incomplete feeding.
3. Sleep. A baby who sleeps peacefully for approximately 4 hours without fussing or crying, achieving deep sleep, is generally well-fed.
4. Weight. Changes in an infant's weight often indicate whether the baby is full or hungry. Average weekly weight gain should be 0–170 grams, reaching about 200 grams by 3 months. Infants under 6 months should gain an average of 600 grams per month or at least 125 grams weekly.Infants over 6 months gain an average of 500 grams monthly. These indicators suggest sufficient breast milk and adequate feeding. If weight gain falls significantly below these standards after ruling out illness, it often indicates insufficient milk supply and hunger. 5. Mood. A well-fed baby exhibits good spirits, appears content, responds playfully, has bright eyes, and shows alert reactions.