Maturation of feeding skills and choice of initial feeding method in low birth weight infants
| Maturation of feeding skills | Initial feeding method | |
|---|---|---|
| < 28 weeks | No proper sucking efforts, No propulsive motility in the gut | Intravenous fluids |
| 28 – 31 weeks | Sucking bursts develop, No coordination between suck/swallow and breathing | Oro-gastric (or naso-gastric) tube feeding with occasional spoon feeding |
| 32 – 34 weeks | Slightly mature sucking pattern, Coordination between breathing and swallowing begins | Feeding by spoon / paladai / cup |
| > 34 weeks | Mature sucking pattern, More coordination between breathing and swallowing | Breast feeding |
Reference:
Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 7th edition
