What formula is best for premature infants when transitioning milk?

Preterm infants can be fed specialized premature infant formula designed specifically for preterm babies when transitioning to formula feeding.

Preterm infants generally refer to newborns born before 37 weeks of gestation. Since they are delivered earlier than expected, their bodily systems are often not fully developed and require more careful feeding in daily life. If the mother's breast milk is insufficient, it may be necessary to switch preterm infants to formula. In such cases, a specialized premature infant formula is usually recommended. This is because regular infant formulas contain higher levels of fat and protein, which may be difficult for preterm infants to digest due to their immature and underdeveloped gastrointestinal function, potentially leading to digestive problems or other complications. Premature infant formulas, however, are typically easier for preterm babies to absorb and can better support growth and development.

After feeding a preterm infant with specialized premature formula for a period of time, if their height and weight become close to those of full-term infants, it indicates the formula is suitable. At this point, caregivers may consider switching to another appropriate formula for continued feeding.