Q&A: Does My Preemie Need to Take in More Food Than a Full-term Baby?

Yes, most premature babies need more calories per body weight than term babies. It takes a lot of energy to grow outside of the uterus, repair lung damage, fight infections, and cope with illness. Still, how long a premature baby will actually need extra calories for depends on their health, plus any medical challenges and how well they are growing.

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