Special Preemie Gifts

More than a half-million babies in the United States are born prematurely---after 37 weeks of gestation, rather than the usual 40 weeks---every year. The more prematurely a baby arrives, the more health problems that baby is likely to face. While a baby's arrival is usually cause for celebration, parents of premature babies have to deal with uncertainty about the health of their newest family members, as well as the costs of their round-the-clock care.

Hats and Booties

• Premature babies are born with less body fat, so they are often placed in incubators to regulate their body temperature. Knitted hats or booties show your concern for the baby's welfare, as well as helping to keep baby warm and healthy.

Soft Toys

• Like any other new baby, preemies are fascinated by the world around them. Because premature babies are at high risk of stroke from underdeveloped blood vessels in the brain, it's best to give them plain, soft toys. Brightly colored objects or noisemakers shouldn't be given to premature babies; give them something that's calming and soothing, such as a small, brown stuffed bear.

Practical Gifts

• Premature babies often arrive unexpectedly, well before parents have time to finish preparing for their new child. Small diapers or a diaper service are thoughtful, useful gifts. So are bottles, warm pajamas, baby wipes, and quilts or blankets. Ask the parents if there's anything they need in particular to help take care of their child.

Time

• Even more than parents of full-term babies, parents of premature babies are often tense, confused, scared and exhausted. Time is a valued gift for parents who have a baby in a neonatal intensive care unit or who have just returned from the hospital. Volunteer to run errands, make meals or look after their other children.