[Dysphagia] Transition to Solids for premature infants

[Catherine.Shaker at wfhc.org (Shaker, Catherine S.)]

You would use the infant's adjusted age as the primary guideline, just
as you would use his/her adjusted age to reference all other
developmental expectations. 

Look also of course at readiness from other perspectives, i.e., postural
control/sensory-motor status, respiration, swallowing ability etc. Most
typically developing premies will begin solids by spoon at 3-4 months
adjusted age, of course with input from the MD, whose practice patterns
may dictate otherwise. For chronically ill premies with a remarkable
history, it is often a different course.

Hope this is helpful.

Catherine
Catherine S. Shaker M.S./CCC, BRS-S
Speech-Language Pathologist
Board Recognized Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center - NICU/Pediatrics
5000 West Chambers Street
Milwaukee, WI  53210
414-447-2797 Phone
414-874-4104  Fax
NOTE NEW ADDRESS: Catherine.Shaker@wfhc.org


-----Original Message-----
From: dysphagia-bounces@b9.com [mailto:dysphagia-bounces@b9.com] On
Behalf Of Michelle Stevens
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 3:33 PM
To: dysphagia@b9.com
Subject: [Dysphagia] Transition to Solids for premature infants


A colleague  and I were discussing when to recommend parents of
premature babies to begin trialling solids.  We realized that there is
conflicting information in the literature about this.  Does anyone know
whether you go by their adjusted age and how many weeks/months you are
meant to wait?  Any research out there that you know of would be greatly
appreciated. 

Regards
Michelle

Michelle Stevens
Child Development Team Coordinator
Speech-Language Therapist - Paediatric Feeding
Hutt Valley District Health Board
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