Weaning Premature Babies

[RainbowGift]

Hi everyone! My twins were born a few months early and I was told to wean them based on their actual age (I was going to wait until they were 6 months CORRECTED age because then their digestive systems would be as matured as any other 6 month baby). Actual age had to be used as the guide because of iron issues, apparently.

So, they have been eating solids for over two months now. They are great eaters and never flat-out refuse anything. They are on three meals a day. I still breast feed five times a day (and nurse them back to sleep all night long but that is another issue that we are about to tackle).

Here is my question: Should I really, FULLY treat them as if they are 8 months old, in terms of introducing foods, thinking about dropping milk feedings, introducing finger foods etc? It's hard for me not to think of them as 6 months.
However, they have been doing so well for the last two months, eating homemade purees and able to "chew" chunkier ones. I follow lists of food appropriate for 6 months. Should I really branch out to the 8 month foods?

Thanks so much, for any responses!!!!


Edit- I don't plan on dropping any milk feeds now! Just wondering if I drop them/let the babies drop them according to actual age....

 

[Cloberella]

Hey my prem baby is about the same age as your twins we have mainly tackled weaning based on his cues, how well do they sit up? Have you tried them with finger foods yet? Do they have teeth?

Just like with a full term baby, preemies do things at different rates, Gabe is now eating his food mashed, not pureed but another baby his age might not be ready yet.

Sorry if that mace no sense, hope it helps a bit x

 

[RainbowGift]

Thank you! Are you giving him just about anything? I think I've been sticking a little too closely to the foods that are ok for 6 months.

I think they are ready for more. They have both cut one tooth, so far and I think my boy has a few more on the way any day now. They still need a tiny bit of support to sit up. I've been afraid of finger foods, but that is a common tale...