Does prematurity affects formula feeding guidelines?

My guys will be 4 months on Tuesday, but their adjusted age is 2 months. Should they be eating the quantity and frequency of a 4 month old or a 2 month old, or does it just depend on the baby. My old pediatrician (don't really trust him anymore) said their feeding would coincide with their actual age. I was looking at the schedules in the first year handbook and trying to figure out what to do with my little guys. I have been doing on demand, but they are all over the place, and I think it is time to start some sort of schedule, I just didn't know if I should treat them like a 2 month old or 4 month old.

 

I always fed my girls on demands, so I really don't have an answer to your question. Sorry! I would get a second opinion from a second pedi though before making any decisions. Good Luck!

 

Mine weren't preemies so I don't know either. I fed mine on demand as well & always thought if they seemed happy & were gaining weight, all was well. Maybe one of the mom's of preemies on here will have an answer for you!

 

We fed on demand as well, but they were always on the higher end of the formula intake for their actual age. So, I would go by their actual age at first and if not, then I would give consideration for their prematurity. I remember I had the same issues with the FY schedules. :hug:

 

I fed mine on a 3 hour schedule when we first came home and then they went to a 4 hour schedule and they ate like their adjusted age for about 2 1/2 months then they shot up their intake and from about 3months on eat like their actual age. So I would say its a mixture of both....feed them what they want they'll let you know

 

Mine ate every 3 hrs for the first month home (and their month in the NICU) then we went to every 4 hrs. I had really small eaters and they weren't even on the "normal" weight chart, just their own for the first 6 months. I tried to get them to eat as much as they would every 4 hrs. For me, there was no maximum amount to feed them. I hope that helps a little! Every baby is different, but I would feed them when they wake up then every 3 hrs if they will, then go to every 4 hrs after they get used to that. It will take a few days for them to get used to being on a schedule so don't expect it to happen right away. Maybe even give it a week.

 

Ours have always been little and often eaters. If your trying to implement a routine i would start with the 3hr feed and see how they do. If they can make 3hrs great! Eventually stretching them to 4hrs. Ours were really odd and ate tiny amounts every 4hrs for 2mths and then they switched to 3hrs and have remained that way ever since. They are 6mths old and we are lucky if they ever finish a bottle.