Lay summary
Every year approximately 4,500 preterm babies are born in NZ. Preterm babies are at higher risk of death, neonatal illnesses and lifelong adverse outcomes such as neurodisability, diabetes and obesity. Nutrition is a universal medical therapy for preterm babies. We have identified substantial variation in nutrition practices amongst NZ’s neonatal nurseries, which is associated with variation in key outcomes such as survival, neonatal illness and neurodisability at two years of age. We also have identified variation by ethnicity and neonatal outcomes are worse for Māori and Pasifika babies. We therefore aim to develop and implement evidence-based consensus national nutrition guidelines for preterm babies with an equity focus, based on analysis of the best available evidence, including from recent NZ randomised trials. We then will audit uptake of these guidelines.