Starting in the NICU causing delay in eating solids?

Teresa - posted on 09/17/2011

Every child is different. I never had a NICU baby, but my 37 weeker twins (born at 5lb 4oz and 4lb 11oz) started solids at 3.5 months w/ absolutely no issues whatsoever.

My 38 week 5 day 7lb 2oz son took his first bite of solids at 6 months, but his interest was so rare and random that he wasn't eating on a daily basis til around a year.

Tracy - posted on 09/17/2011

I had twins in the NICU for 1 month. Some things you need to keep in mind are:if he was born early he is going to be younger developmentally. Not all children develop or do the same things as their older sibblings did when they were that age. Do not stress out on this. If he is not losing weight,keep doing what you are doing. I think it's a relief when other moms get on here and tell you they did not start their babies on solids until they were a year. Work with him gradually until he grows to liking the foods. I think premature babies react differently to foods than others. So it might take some time. If you feel there is a concern, take him to a feeding therapist and he/she might be able to relieve your worries better than anyone else if your pediatrician doesn't. But do keep in mind not all babies are alike. This only shows you are a good mother and wanting the best for your children.

Kelsey - posted on 09/17/2011

Yes, my daughter had a hard time learning to go from sucking to swollowing. I am not sure if it was because she had to be taught how to "suck" in the NICU rather than it was a natural learning occurance for most babies. Then once she got that sucking thing down, I think it was that much harder for her to move on! I kept her on formula until she was 1 year old, because I knew I was struggling with her on eatting rice cereal/babyfood. She started baby food at about 9-10 months I think. It was only a few months from her 1 year birthday I remember. She did fine eatting her cake though on her Birthday. Take it slow with her and try not to force rice on her yet...since she is 1 month behind, maybe let her catch up when the time is right?
Good luck:)

Lissi - posted on 09/16/2011

If you keep having problems, speech therapists can help with eating issues. Good Luck!

Jodi - posted on 09/16/2011

All babies are different. Recommendations are not to start baby on solids until 6 months, as they really aren't generally ready until then, but not all babies are ready at 6 months either. It may or may not have to do with your baby having been in NICU (you don't mention why, but a premmie will be delayed in many milestones). My son was also ready for solids at 5 months, but my daughter really wasn't interested until she was about 8 months old.

Solids are really only for experimenting and practice until they are 12 months old. The majority of a baby's nutrition will be from breastmilk or formula until then, so there is no need to be overly concerned about him not eating a lot yet. Just continue to do what you are doing and offer him the opportunity to taste, and you will find that he will eventually eat more.