BackgroundInfants born extremely preterm are at high risk for early feeding difficulties, as well as poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in childhood. Feeding, a complex motor skill, may be predictive of later neuromotor outcomes. AimsTo determine the relationship between feeding behaviours of extremely preterm-born infants (<28 weeks gestational age) at 4-months corrected age (CA) and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 4–5 years. Study designRetrospective cohort design with prospectively collected data. SubjectsInfants born extremely preterm from September 1999 – October 2013 [n = 412, mean gestational age 25.4 (1.3) weeks; mean birth weight 771 (168) grams]. Oral feeding was assessed at 4-months CA by an experienced occupational therapist; infants were classified as either having poor suck-swallow (‘feeding difficulties’) or no feeding difficulties. Outcome measuresMotor outcomes were assessed at 4–5 years using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC). Children were categorized as: (1) typical motor development (TMD; n = 214); (2) Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD; n = 116); or (3) major neurodevelopmental disorder (MND; n = 82). ResultsFeeding behaviour at 4-months CA predicted DCD (OR = 2.95, CI 1.13–7.68) and MND (OR = 3.67, CI 1.35–9.96) after controlling for confounders. Infants with feeding difficulties were more likely to be diagnosed with DCD (40 % of poor feeders) or MND (36 %) at 4–5 years, compared to infants without feeding issues. ConclusionsEarly feeding behaviours significantly predicted motor outcomes at 4–5 years. Infants born extremely preterm with early feeding difficulties should be identified as at high risk for poor motor outcomes later in childhood and screened for early diagnosis and intervention.