8 Things You SHOULD Say to Parents of Preemies
- “Congratulations!
- “How are you holding up, and what can I do to help you out?” (Though sometimes a specific offer of help is best because it doesn't require the parent to think of something for you to do)
- “It's okay to feel however you feel, and I'm here to listen whenever you need me.”
Even though our baby was born sick, we are still new parents. We would love to hear the words, "I know this is not what you expected, but congratulations!" This way, you are acknowledging that things did not go as planned, but you are also helping us remember that we just had a baby, and that deserves to be celebrated.
Gift Ideas for NICU Nurses
- Thank you notes. Nothing beats the sentimentality of a handwritten thank you note.
- Pictures. Pictures of the babies we've cared for who are now growing healthy and strong are some of the best presents that NICU nurses can receive.
- Snacks.
- Coffee.
- Hand lotion.
- Fun pens, badge holders, etc.
They gain around 112-200 grams every week, and this continues until they turn four months old. The weight gain in the case of premature babies is usually lesser. Tiny infants gain as low as five grams each day, while this goes up to 20 grams each day for large preemies.
Parents can visit and spend time with their babies who stay in the NICU. Other family members might be able to visit, but only during set hours and only a few at a time.
28 Sep New study says that premature babies are smarterAdolescents and adults who were born very prematurely may have “older” brains than those who were born full term, a new study reveals. A baby's brain fully develops in the final few weeks of gestation, so being born early disrupts this process.
On this page:
- Supporting parents of premature babies.
- Celebrate as you normally would when a baby is born.
- Offer practical help.
- Support parents in whatever way they need.
- Stay in touch with parents.
- Say positive things about the baby.
- Don't expect to cuddle the baby.
- Listen to parents.
10 Ways to Support a Family with a Baby in the Hospital
- Mail care packages. Extended stays in the hospital can be depressing for everyone involved so getting mail can serve as a bright spot in the day.
- Give gift cards for food.
- Bring them a meal.
- Clean their house.
- Bake for the nurses.
- Give them a few hours off.
- Take care of their pets.
- Send really nice toiletries.
10 Ways to Help NICU Parents
- Do real favors.
- Don't wait to be asked.
- Do listen and offer a shoulder to cry on.
- Don't trivialize their situation.
- Do call and visit.
- Don't stop after the first few weeks.
- Do follow up once they're home.
- Don't neglect their emotional health.
10 ways to support a friend with a baby in the NICU
- Bring food, food and more food. The new mom will likely be spending long days in the NICU, and like anyone recovering from birth, she will be hungry.
- Offer a ride.
- Make a care package.
- It takes a village.
- Help out at home.
- Celebrate the baby.
- Offer emotional support.
- Keep up the momentum.
How YOU can participate in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Touch your baby as much as possible. You can do this by using a gentle touch and stroking motions.
- Talk to your baby.
- Change your baby's diaper.
- Participate in your baby's first bath.
- Take your baby's temperature.
Helping premature babies feel calm in the NICU
- Premature babies can get stressed and upset in the NICU.
- Touch your baby gently, give her a dummy, slow your movements and speak quietly.
- Watch your baby's reactions and learn his cues.
- Try to work with NICU staff to keep your baby's world as calm as possible.
Extreme preemies without complications are typically ready for discharge two to three weeks before their due date. But babies who have endured health complications as a result of their preterm status, such as breathing problems or difficulty gaining weight, may have to stay in the NICU well after their birth date.
L'il Aussie Prems Foundation cites that a preemie born around 36 weeks could be in the hospital, on average, for 11 days. The same foundation cites that baby born as early as 23 weeks might be in the NICU for upwards of (approximately) 163 days.
She's super sleepy.Premature babies tend to snooze even more than full-term newborns, up to 22 hours per day — but only for an hour or so at a stretch, thanks to the need to fill their tiny tummies. Another difference: the quality of sleep.
- Preemies are particularly vulnerable to germs.
- You'll be checking in frequently with baby's pediatrician.
- Your premature baby may have difficulty feeding.
- Preemies sleep differently than full-term babies.
- And speaking of milestones, your preemie may be on a different developmental schedule than a full-term baby.
Feeding Transition32 to 34 Weeks: By 32 to 34 weeks gestational age, most preemies have a mature suck and are able to begin the transition from tube feeding to bottle-feeding or breastfeeding.
Some hospitals have a rule on how much the baby must weigh before going home, but this is becoming less common. In general, babies are at least 4 pounds (2 kilograms) before they are ready to come out of the incubator.
And since your baby is so small, it's crucial that she receive the nutrition she needs to help her grow, develop, meet her milestones and go home. While the average baby is born weighing about 8 pounds, premature babies can be teeny tiny. Preemies can weigh anywhere from 5 pounds … to just one pound.
33–34 WeeksAlthough they are getting bigger, 33 and 34 weekers are still immature and may need to stay in the NICU for several weeks. Premature babies are almost fully developed by 33 and 34 weeks.
The weight limit on the Baby K'tan Baby Carrier is birth (8lbs) to 35lbs (under 8lbs please consult a healthcare professional), so you can begin using the Baby K'tan right away with a newborn. While worn properly, the Baby K'tan carrier can be very beneficial for newborns and Kangaroo Care with preemies.
Boba Baby Wrap Carrier. There are a few key differences between them though: The Moby is sturdier, stronger but less user-friendly, while the Boba boasts a 5% spandex weave that provides a little more give.
Best baby carriers
- Best no-frills baby carrier: Boba Wrap, Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Sling.
- Best baby carrier for toddlers: Tula Toddler Carrier.
- Best baby carrier for dads: Mission Critical S.01 Action Baby Carrier.
- Best baby carrier for plus size: ErgoBaby Omni 360, Tula Free-To-Grow Baby Carrier.
The Baby K'tan is recommended for use with babies from birth (7lbs) to 35 lbs. (consult your pediatrician for use with preemies). Be sure to follow all instructions and safety tips when wearing your baby in the Baby K'tan.
Our wraps are designed for the first year of a child's life or up to 25 lbs. Most wrap wearers will get the most use out of it in the first 9-12 months.
