Nutrition and supplements for babies with a birth weight under 2500 grams
If your baby was born prematurely or had a low birth weight, it's important to give them extra iron and vitamins, and to monitor their nutrition closely to ensure healthy growth and development.
Your baby may have been fed through a tube in the neonatal unit and may have just started eating on their own. In the first six months, your baby will need about 12-15% of their weight in milk each day, but this can vary. It's important to check their weight every week in the first few weeks at home. A typical weight gain is 100–200 grams per week, but at first, weight gain may be slower. Length and head size should also be measured regularly at the health station.
Solid foods
Solid food should be introduced when your baby is between 5–8 months old (chronological age) and has reached 3 months corrected age. It's important to adjust the timing of introducing solid foods based on your baby’s development. If your baby isn't gaining weight or seems hungry even though they are getting many milk feeds, it may be a sign they need solid food. Regular cow's milk should not be given before your baby is 1 year old corrected age.
About vitamin D
All children in Norway should receive vitamin D supplements during their first year of life and beyond. This is especially important for babies with a birth weight under 2500 grams, and particularly for those who are only breastfed (since breast milk has little vitamin D). Infant formula is fortified with vitamin D, and if your baby receives at least 600 ml of formula per day, they won’t need extra vitamin D. The dosage of vitamin D is outlined below.
About iron
Babies born with a birth weight under 2500 grams often develop iron deficiency anemia during their first year if they don't receive extra iron supplements. Iron is also important for your baby’s brain development. Therefore, iron supplements are recommended from 4 weeks of age until 1 year old. Babies who weighed between 2000–2499 grams can stop taking iron at 6 months if they eat porridge.
The dosage of iron is outlined below. Iron supplements can cause dark stools and sometimes stomach pain. If your baby experiences stomach pain, you can try reducing the dose. It's never recommended to stop giving iron before your baby is 6 months old. If iron supplements are stopped, your baby should have their blood levels (hemoglobin + MCV) and iron stores (ferritin) checked by your doctor.
Iron supplements and vitamin D for babies
Babies who are exclusively breastfed
Iron supplements should be given starting at 4 weeks of age. The names of the products may change, but these two products are dosed the same: Niferex and Glutaferro.
Dosage based on weight:
- 1500–3000 g: 0.1 ml x 2
- ≥ 3000 g: 0.15 ml x 2
Iron supplements are recommended for the entire first year of life for babies with a birth weight under 2 kg. Babies who eat porridge every day should receive half the usual iron dose (1 dose daily).
Babies with a birth weight between 2 and 2.5 kg can stop taking iron at 6 months if they are eating porridge.
Nycoplus vitamin D drops:
From 1 week of age, 5 drops of Nycoplus Vitamin D should be given to babies who are exclusively breastfed, regardless of birth weight.
Vitamin D drops should be given for the entire first year of life.
Babies who are formula-fed
Infant formula is already fortified with both vitamin D and iron, so the supplements should be adjusted for babies who receive formula instead of breast milk.
Iron supplements should be given starting at 4 weeks of age. The names of the products may change, but these two products are dosed the same: Niferex and Glutaferro.
Dosage based on weight:
- 1500–3000 g: 0.1 ml x 1
- ≥ 3000 g: 0.15 ml x 1
Iron supplements are recommended for the entire first year of life for babies with a birth weight under 2 kg. Babies who eat porridge every day should receive half the usual iron dose (1 dose daily).
Babies with a birth weight between 2 and 2.5 kg can stop taking iron at 6 months if they are eating porridge.
Vitamin D:
If your baby is getting at least 600 ml of formula per day, they do not need additional vitamin D supplements.
If your baby is receiving less than 600 ml of formula per day, they should receive 3 drops of vitamin D once per day from 1 week of age.
Vitamin D supplementation should continue for the entire first year of life.
Important Information:
Niferex drops and Nycoplus Vitamin D drops can be purchased without a prescription at the pharmacy.
Glutaferro requires a prescription from your doctor.