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Expert Q&A

	By Harriet S. Worobey, M.A. Early Childhood Educator Director, the Nutritional Sciences Preschool

I have preemie twin daughters born three months early. They are now 14 months old (11 adjusted). They are all "caught up" and very, very active. My Kaitlin is very tiny and only weighs 14 pounds, 12 ounces and is about 28 inches tall. She eats well but instead of walking, runs everywhere! Are there any foods out there that might increase her weight gain?

I need to state at the beginning of this answer that I haven't any data on your daughter besides what you have mentioned. I have no idea if she is eating solid food or not, how mature her digestive system is, how many teeth she has or how well she swallows. These are important facts to know before making dietary recommendations.

That being said, I will try to be a little helpful. Your daughter almost certainly has a very tiny stomach and therefore needs to eat often, probably six to eight times per day. Try not to overfeed at each meal. Do try to have established feeding times instead of giving handouts all day long. This will help her feel full, then digest and then feel hungry again.

If you are giving her cow's milk, continue with whole milk; do not go to low-fat or skim. Ask your doctor if any of the new supplements (like Ensure for children) are appropriate for one feeding a day. If she is adept with chewing and swallowing (and your doctor says OK), you can serve soft finger foods. Be very alert to any possible choking. You might want to serve some of the baby food desserts, such as tapioca or puddings or ice cream, but I wouldn't go overboard for fear of increasing her preference for sweets. Yogurt and mashed potatoes are other good choices. If she chews well, you could also give vanilla wafers and graham crackers.

I hope some of these suggestions help. PLEASE do check with your doctor.

Sincerely,
Harriet Worobey

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