Table 1

Influence of early (⩽12 weeks) or late (>12 weeks) weaning on growth and sleep patterns; measurements at 9 months in preterm infants and 18 months in term infants adjusted for measurements at 12 weeks*

	Preterm infants							Term infants
	Weaned ⩽12 weeks			Weaned >12 weeks			p	Weaned ⩽12 weeks			Weaned >12 weeks			p
	n	Mean	SE	n	Mean	SE	p	n	Mean	SE	n	Mean	SE	p
*ANCOVA adjusting for measurement at 12 weeks, weaning behaviour (solids ⩽12 weeks v >12 weeks), milk feeding (breast v formula), gender, and (for term infants) whether AGA or SGA. Adjusted means are shown.
Weight gain (kg)	365	8.25	0.05	102	8.27	0.07	NS	350	10.7	0.05	326	10.9	0.05	0.001
Length gain (cm)	362	70.3	0.16	102	70.6	0.2	NS	350	80.8	0.14	327	81.4	0.13	0.01
Head circumference gain (cm)	364	45.8	0.08	102	45.8	0.12	NS	352	48.0	0.06	328	48.2	0.05	0.02
Triceps skinfold gain (mm)	364	8.68	0.17	102	8.61	0.23	NS	349	8.9	0.13	327	8.8	0.12	NS
Subscapular skinfold gain (mm)	364	6.47	0.10	102	6.12	0.15	0.02	349	6.3	0.08	326	6.2	0.07	NS
Sleep duration 9 mth (h)	338	11.2	0.12	97	11.0	0.16	NS	698	11.4	0.1	498	11.2	0.1	0.01
Sleep duration 18 mth (h)	326	11.3	0.17	91	11.6	0.22	NS	641	11.6	0.1	481	11.4	0.1	0.03