Question
Should I start feeding cereal to my 11-week-old, who was born preterm and is always hungry?
Answer
Actually, premature babies that are otherwise healthy grow faster than babies born on time. Premature babies start out smaller, grow very fast in the first year, and often catch up by the second year of life. During this first year, with its rapid rate of growth, premature babies are very hungry and eat very frequently. Check with your doctor about your baby's growth pattern. If she is a little behind, your doctor may recommend a special formula with extra calories. Cereal is not recommended in premature babies until they can sit up with support and swallow solids well, which may be beyond 6 months of age.