Using these novel esophageal data this study's goal is to obtain objective data representing maturational patterns of breathing, heart rate, and swallowing in preterm infants. Possibly derived coordination patterns might help to guide nurses and clinicians to introduce suck feeds and to develop specific early intervention strategies. Furthermore, if the gastric tube-EMG proves to be accessible in real time, it could potentially replace standard monitoring tools that require the use of skin electrodes in the future. This would not only facilitate nursing and preserve skin integrity but also simplify bonding between the parents and their infants in the NICU.