For healthy pre-term infants, weaning can safely begin somewhere between the ages of 5 and 8 months from the actual date of birth (i.e. uncorrected age). The exact age will vary from one baby to another but as preterm babies are all different, their readiness for solids should be assessed individually, taking into account their skills and developmental readiness.
Evidence shows that preterm babies benefit from delaying the introduction of solids food for at least 3 months after their estimated date of delivery. Well preterm babies born closer to term may be ready to start weaning at around 6 months uncorrected, as advised for babies born at term. The weaning process should be the same for both the preterm and the term baby.
Reference Sources:
Food Safety Authority of Ireland (2012). Best Practice for Infant Feeding in Ireland.
King C et al., Paediatrics and Child Health; 19 (9): 405-414
