Aim To study the association between cue-based feeding (CBF) and growth trajectories and feeding characteristics up to two years of age. Methods A retrospective cohort study of preterm infants born at 27⁰/₇−33⁶/₇ weeks’ gestation across two feeding epochs traditional feeding (TF) vs. CBF. Anthropometric indices were assessed at discharge and during routine follow-up. Feeding characteristics at two years were assessed using the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale (MCHFS). Results The cohort included 115 infants (TF n = 58; CBF n = 57). CBF was associated with a shorter length of stay (mean difference 11.8 days, p 0.001) and earlier discharge (35.5 vs. 36.9 weeks’ PMA, p 0.001). Weight and head circumference Z -scores at discharge were comparable. Across follow-up, both groups demonstrated declines in weight- and length-for-age Z -scores, with consistently higher values in the TF group (weight: p = 0.004; length: p = 0.003). Total MCHFS scores and prevalence of feeding difficulties at two years were similar. However, coercive feeding behaviors were significantly more common in the TF group ( p = 0.018 and p = 0.044). Conclusion CBF was associated with earlier discharge and more adaptive parent-infant feeding interactions while supporting overall normal growth. Integrating responsive feeding with structured nutritional monitoring may optimize both somatic and relational outcomes in preterm infants.
Morag et al. (2026) studied this question.