Caring for premature baby at home
Congratulations! After an emotional and overwhelming experience in the neonatal intensive care unit, your little one is finally coming home! It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension as you step into the world of parenting outside the hospital. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the critical weeks ahead, ensuring your premature baby stays safe and healthy.
Doctor’s visits & follow-ups
One of your priorities should be scheduling a visit to the pediatrician. Ideally, this visit should happen within 2 to 4 days after your baby is discharged from the hospital. Clarify with the hospital care team any specific tests your baby requires, such as blood, hearing, and vision screenings. Also, arrange these appointments if they’re not already scheduled.
If your baby requires follow-up care, such as home nursing or visits with specialists, it is wise to schedule those visits as well. Many preemies will see a range of experts, like physical therapists, neurologists, and early-intervention specialists, in their early years to monitor their development closely.
Feeding & nutrition
Feeding your baby will be guided by a personalized plan established during your hospital stay. Premature infants often require additional calories to support their growth.
Some babies may successfully transition to breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, while others might struggle with the coordination of sucking and swallowing. For those who need assistance, there are alternatives available, such as a G-tube, NG-tube, or TPN. It’s important to consult with your doctor to determine which option is best for your baby. Some doctors may recommend exclusive breastfeeding, while others may suggest using a specialized formula for premature babies.
Best formula for premature babies:
Premature baby formula is more sensitive to their little, fragile stomachs, while giving them the extra premature baby weight they need!
- Similac Neosure formula is a formula for premature babies. It gives them extra calories and nutrients to help them grow.
- Enfamil EnfaCare is also a special formula for premature baby needs. Enfamil for premature babies has important nutrients to help them develop healthy.
- Gerber Good Start Gentle is gentle on sensitive stomachs. It’s good for all babies, but can be helpful for premature ones as it has the nutrients they need.
- Neocate infant formula is a special formula made from amino acids. Infant Neocate Formula is recommended for babies with specific dietary needs, including some premature babies.
Always consult with your healthcare team to discuss the best feeding approach for your newborn.
A note on feeding therapy
If your baby has difficulties with sucking or other feeding issues, feeding therapy may be the solution. Read the complete feeding guide to discover how it can help your baby.
Getting a baby nurse can make it easier
Caring for a premature baby can be pretty challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Many insurance plans offer coverage for a nurse to come in and assist with your baby’s care. White Glove Community Care has specialized nurses who work with babies. Find out if you qualify and how to get started.
Sleep safety: do premature babies sleep more?
As your baby settles in at home, be mindful of sleep practices to ensure safety. Preterm infants typically sleep more than full-term infants but for shorter periods. Always place your baby to sleep on their back for safety.
Safe Sleep Environment
Always place your premature baby on their back to sleep on a firm mattress, covered with a fitted sheet. Make sure the sleeping area is free from soft bedding, pillows, toys, and bumpers, which can pose suffocation risks.
Room Temperature Regulation
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature to prevent overheating. Dress your premature baby in light sleep clothing and use a sleep sack instead of blankets to ensure they stay warm without the risk of covering their face.
Monitor and Supervise
Use a reliable baby monitor to keep an ear on your baby during sleep times. Regularly check on them to ensure they’re sleeping safely, especially if they’re in a separate room. Consider having them sleep in the same room as you for the first six months to enhance safety and facilitate feeding.
Infection prevention: keeping your baby safe
Due to their still-developing immune systems, preemies are particularly vulnerable to infections. Here are some steps you can take to protect your little one:
Limit Outings
For the first few weeks, try to keep trips outside to a minimum, focusing only on essential medical visits. If you must go to a doctor’s office, consider scheduling early to avoid peak infection hours.
Control Visitor Access
It’s advisable to restrict visitors during this fragile period. Make sure anyone who wishes to visit is healthy, refrain from allowing smoking in your home, and ensure that all visitors wash their hands thoroughly before touching your baby.
How White Glove Early Intervention can help
Once your baby is home, the real progress begins. Early childhood is the stage when services like physical, occupational, and speech therapy have the greatest impact. Numerous parents make the mistake of leaving the doctor’s referral for early intervention therapy services on the shelf with the thought that they’ll start services ‘in just a few weeks’. It’s only understandable. Settling home can be so overwhelming after the chaotic NICU experience, and the thought of trekking to therapy can make you breathe hard. Especially since many preemies benefit from 2-3 different therapies, so do the math of the number of appointments. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
The earlier the better
The younger the child is, the easier it is to help them. We can still influence their reflexes and mold their movements.
Care from your home
White Glove offers early intervention therapy services in the comfort of their own homes. White Glove early intervention therapists come to your space with compassion and care to work with your baby.
Care for the baby’s mom
Remember that you just gave birth and are still in the postpartum period, so you have every right to relax. While life may have taken you on a different journey, you still deserve the love and care that every postpartum mom should receive!
A final word
Bringing a premature baby home is a bridge to cross, but with the right preparation and knowledge, you can create a nurturing and secure environment. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and never hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team with any concerns. Enjoy these precious early days with your little one!
Searching for early intervention services near me?
White Glove is here to help! Contact an early childhood specialist to get started today.
