How are Premature Babies' Nutritional Needs Different?

Since premature babies missed some weeks of building up important nutrients, they are usually born with low birth weight and reduced levels of some nutrients. After they are born, these babies need to make up for that lost time. While in the hospital, they also tend to have more digestive problems than full-term babies, and often need to eat more frequently. Usually, doctors will recommend a commercially prepared breast milk fortifier to give your baby the extra protein, vitamins, calcium and other nutrients she needs at this early stage.

If you can't pump or breastfeed, or choose not to, you can feel confident about the specially designed formulas available for infants born prematurely that provide the appropriate amount of these vital nutrients.