The initial feeding method in low-birth-weight infants is linked to maturation of sucking, swallowing, breathing coordination and gut motility.
Infants below 32 weeks
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Below 28 weeks, sucking efforts are inadequate and propulsive gut motility is lacking; intravenous fluids are listed as the initial method.
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At 28–31 weeks, sucking bursts develop, but sucking and swallowing are not coordinated with breathing. Initial feeding is by an orogastric or nasogastric tube, with occasional spoon or paladai feeding.
Infants at 32 weeks and beyond
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At 32–34 weeks, the sucking pattern is slightly mature and coordination between breathing and swallowing begins. Spoon or paladai feeding is listed.
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Above 34 weeks, the sucking pattern is mature and breathing and swallowing are coordinated. Breastfeeding is listed.