My Preemie’s Eating Difficulties

My preemie is almost three and she still chokes on certain table foods.  When she was just starting to eat table food she definitely took a while to get used to new textures, and especially to be able to chew and swallow things without choking.  I mashed up her foods or cut them into tiny pieces for a long time, like noodles and fruit, and she couldn’t even eat cheerios or other cereal as a snack until long after other kids her age.  She just choked… on everything.  Just a few months ago she was still choking every time she ate carrots.  She still chokes every time she tries to eat apple peel.  And, up until about 6 months ago we had to make sure we gave her a certain type of bread because she just couldn’t chew up certain brands of bread.

I’m not sure what the reasoning is, really, because she got all of her teeth on schedule and has caught up to kids her age pretty well in size and weight.  She’s just always had eating issues.  However, she’s always been a very good eater in that she eats lots of food!  Her weight hasn’t been a problem since we brought her home from the NICU.  She’s really thrived.

I think all kids go through phases with eating, and I’m sure preemies are no different.  Kids will eat more when they’re going through growth spurts and then not be as interested in food when they’re not growing much.  I’ve decided, myself, to not get too caught up in what my preemie should be able to do, based on what other toddlers are capable of, and just let her excel at a comfortable pace for her.  Of course, this is as long as she’s progressing and developing at a healthy and acceptable pace.

What eating issues have you faced with your preemie babies?  Has weight gain been a big factor in your preemies eating habits?  Please share with us!

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