Question
How can I ensure that my premature baby receives adequate nutrition? My baby is 85 days old and the doctor has diagnosed underdeveloped laryngeal cartilage, which is said to be caused by a calcium deficiency. Can I give him calcium supplements? I am taking lactose-free calcium softgels; are these effective for calcium supplementation in premature babies? Please help me check if the medication I am using is genuine. Besides calcium, do I need to supplement iron for my baby?
Answer
Lactose-free calcium is a good choice for calcium supplementation in premature babies due to its pleasant taste and ease of digestion. For children under one year old, it is recommended to also supplement with vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption. When the weather is not too cold, taking your baby out to enjoy some sunlight can also help with calcium absorption. If your baby currently has an issue with underdeveloped laryngeal cartilage and it is confirmed to be due to a calcium deficiency, then calcium supplementation should be the first step. If there is no anemia issue, iron supplementation can be temporarily avoided.