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How to Care for Preterm Infants

According to the American Pregnancy Association, any baby born before the 37th week of pregnancy is considered to be preterm. Some preterm infants who are born close to the 37th week of pregnancy might have few complications, while babies who are born much earlier might have a plethora of complications, including lung immaturity, feeding problems, brain bleeds and infections. Typically, preterm babies are allowed to go home when they can either drink from a bottle or breastfeed proficiently, maintain proper body temperature, and when they have demonstrated steady weight gain.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer Diapers Diaper rash ointment Wipes Formula (possibly one designed especially for preterm infants) Bottles Infant clothing
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Instructions

  1. NICU Care

    • 1

      If your baby is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, you might at first feel more comfortable letting the nurses care for the baby. However, it is recommended that mothers participate in care as much as possible. You can help with diaper changes, feedings and taking the baby's temperature.

    • 2

      Talk to and touch your baby often. Babies recognize their mother's voice shortly after birth and will enjoy being talked to while in the NICU.

    • 3

      Hold your baby. If the baby is particularly early or has multiple health problems, it might not be possible to hold the baby for a while. Whenever you can, hold the baby as often as the hospital staff allows.

    • 4

      Discuss the baby's progress with nurses and doctors. Knowing what is going on with your baby is important. Ask the nurses to explain any monitors or other equipment that is hooked up to your baby.

    At-Home Care

    • 5

      Leaving the hospital with a preterm baby is exciting and scary all at the same time. Prepare for your departure by talking with doctors and nurses about your concerns. Hospital social workers might also be able to offer support. Also, many mother's prepare to take their babies home by taking a CPR course.

    • 6

      Learn how to operate any monitors that will be sent home with you and your baby. Some babies might require apnea monitors because of breathing difficulties.

    • 7

      Take the baby to your chosen pediatrician soon after coming home. You might want to talk to the doctor about the RSV shot, which is a special vaccination for babies born before 32 weeks. This immunization protects preterm babies from contracting a dangerous respiratory infection called the respiratory syncytial virus.

    • 8

      Avoid crowded places where the baby might be exposed to illness. It is wise to schedule doctor appointments first thing in the morning so that they baby will not be in a waiting room full of sick children for a long period of time.

    • 9

      Feed the baby approximately eight to 10 times per day to help maintain weight gain. The NICU staff or pediatrician might recommend special high-calorie formulas designed for preterm babies.

    • 10

      Seek support and assistance from others. Taking care of any newborn can be overwhelming at times, but taking care of preterm infant can be even more so. Ask others for help, and always call your baby's pediatrician when you have any concerns about your baby.

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