What happens when our baby is born early? Having a premature baby can cause many doubts and uncertainties. They are so small that they seem more fragile than other newborns. However, with proper care, you shouldn't fear for their health.
1. Premature baby hygiene
Hygiene for a premature baby is essential to protect them from any external agents that could affect their health. Being born with less weight and fewer defenses makes them more susceptible to infections.
Their clothes must be washed and easy to put on and take off. Since any clothes you've bought will likely be too big, our knotted sleepsuit is ideal. You adjust the nest to the baby's size, and it's ready. It also makes diaper changes easier for you and allows the baby to maintain the frog position (with legs curled up, as in the womb). It's perfect for premature babies.
- Before picking up or touching the baby, it is necessary to wash and disinfect your hands very thoroughly. You can buy the typical disinfectant soaps sold in pharmacies and always keep them handy.
- Pets should be kept away from the baby. This prevents the spread of germs.
- Sterilize bottles, pacifiers...
2. Breastfeeding
Breast milk is crucial for the optimal growth and development of newborns in general, and it is even more important for premature babies. It contains protective agents that can help prevent major problems to which your premature baby is exposed, which is why the more breast milk they consume, the lower the risk of them suffering from an illness.
If your baby is too weak to latch and feed, you can feed them by expressing milk and using a tube or syringe. Otherwise, it will have to be supplemented with specific formula milk.
3. Temperature and environment
A premature baby has less body fat, so we must use appropriate clothing to help them regulate their temperature. The most recommended is to use natural and breathable fabrics such as organic cotton.
Organic cotton is considered one of the best fabrics in the world. Being free of toxic substances, it is the best for a newborn's delicate skin, especially for premature babies or babies with atopic dermatitis.
Recommended by dermatologists and pediatricians.
In addition to using 100% organic cotton clothing, we must take into account the temperature of the baby's room and the surrounding environment. A premature baby's room should receive natural light. In addition, it should have good ventilation and maintain a pleasant temperature, around 20ºC, and have a certain degree of humidity.
4. Safe sleep
A premature baby sleeps much more than other full-term babies, but in shorter intervals, meaning they wake up more often. In addition, their sleep pattern is more immature, so their deep sleep stages last less and their light sleep stages are longer.
It is very important for the baby to sleep the hours recommended by the pediatrician. To achieve prolonged and restful sleep, it is recommended to create a relaxed environment. Our baby nests mimic the mother's womb, which is why they feel comfortable, calm, and safe. In fact, premature babies in incubators are given rolled towels to simulate the effect of the nest's bolster.
5. Visits from family and friends
Depending on how small or fragile the baby is, it may be necessary to restrict visits for a while. This can be complicated, as it's perfectly normal for people to want to meet the new family member, but it's important to protect the baby and avoid exposure to germs and bacteria.
Noise, movement, and handling of the baby can be stressful for the little one and can alter their nervous system.
Keep in mind that premature babies depend a lot on us. That's why we must follow all our doctor's instructions step by step. If they are home, it means they don't need an incubator, but they do need all our love and attention!
Lots of encouragement to all families who have had a premature baby; surely you'll be running around after them in no time.
