#asktheexperts

food chart for 8month for premature child

Question

#asktheexperts

food chart for 8month for premature child

Accepted Answer

For an 8-month-old premature baby, it’s important to follow a balanced and nutrient-dense diet that supports growth and development. Premature babies often have different nutritional needs, and while they may be able to eat similar foods to full-term babies, it’s important to introduce solids gradually and ensure they’re getting enough calories and nutrients.

Here’s a suggested food chart for an 8-month-old premature baby:

1. Breast Milk/Formula:

Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as the main source of nutrition. At 8 months, they will need about 18-24 ounces of breast milk or formula per day.

2. Introduction to Solids:

At this stage, your baby can eat 2-3 meals per day, plus healthy snacks.

Start with small portions and gradually increase based on your baby’s appetite and tolerance.

3. Sample Food Chart:

Morning:

Breast milk or formula.

Ragi porridge or oats made with breast milk or formula.

Mid-morning Snack:

Mashed banana, papaya, or apple puree.

You can also offer steamed carrot or pumpkin puree.

Lunch:

Khichdi: A mix of rice, moong dal (yellow lentils), and vegetables like carrots or spinach, cooked and mashed.

Mashed sweet potato or mashed potato with a little butter or ghee.

Afternoon Snack:

Rice cereal or moong dal water.

Mashed avocado or a small piece of soft, ripe fruit like a pear or mango.

Dinner:

Softly cooked and mashed vegetables like peas, pumpkin, or zucchini.

Rice porridge or dal-rice mix.

Small cubes of tofu or well-cooked and mashed chicken if your baby has started protein sources.

Before Bed:

Breast milk or formula.

4. Foods to Include:

Cereals/Grains: Rice, oats, ragi, quinoa.

Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, pumpkin, spinach (all steamed and mashed).

Fruits: Bananas, apples, pears, papaya, avocado.

Proteins: Moong dal, cooked lentils, tofu, mashed chicken or fish (well-cooked).

Dairy: Full-fat yogurt (if introduced), small amounts of paneer.

Finger Foods: Small pieces of soft fruits, steamed vegetables, or rice cakes.

5. Important Considerations:

Monitor for Allergies: Introduce one new food at a time, waiting 3-5 days between introductions to monitor for allergic reactions.

Avoid: Honey, cow’s milk (as a drink), sugar, salt, processed foods, and hard foods that can cause choking.

Iron: Ensure your baby is getting iron-rich foods like lentils, fortified cereals, or pureed meats to prevent anemia.

6. Hydration:

Offer small sips of water (2-4 ounces) throughout the day in a sippy cup, especially with meals, to help with digestion and hydration.

Make sure to track your baby’s growth and weight gain, and consult with your pediatrician or a nutritionist to ensure your baby is meeting developmental milestones and getting the right nutrients for healthy growth.