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Many new parents are confused about how to care for a premature baby at home after discharge from the hospital. Here are some tips to make the ‘hospital-to-home’ transition smoother for your little one.
Preterm or premature babies are babies born before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy. Most premature babies born before 35 weeks require medical monitoring and are transferred to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for weeks or months, depending on the baby’s birth weight and health. They need tender love and care to ensure healthy growth and development. The NICU period can be overwhelming for parents, but it’s also the best time to start participating in your baby’s daily care activities. With the guidance of the medical team, parents should get their baby used to feeding, holding, comforting, changing and understanding instructions. After the baby is discharged, consider these tips for caring for a premature baby at home.
How to take care of premature baby at home?
Here are some tips to help you take care of your newborn effectively:
1. Feed them right
Premature infants often have difficulty feeding due to underdeveloped suck-swallow-breathing coordination. They may not even express when they are hungry, it may be in the form of crying or any other action due to developmental delay, so parents should check the baby and feed them on time. Feed your baby every 2 or 3 hours as advised by your doctor. Good activity, regular urination and weight gain are signs of adequate nutrition.
Also Read: What is the best nutrition for a low birth weight baby?
2. Regulate their temperature regularly
Parents are advised to have skin-to-skin contact with the baby to regulate their body temperature. This skin-to-skin contact method is also known as kangaroo care. Kangaroo Care is a unique method of keeping baby close to your chest to provide their body with the warmth they need. It is also important to keep the baby in a warm and comfortable temperature with appropriate clothing, as premature babies can hardly tolerate room temperature.
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3. Practice proper hygiene
Premature babies have a weak immune system, making them susceptible to infections and illnesses. Hence, practice proper hygiene throughout the house and even while handling the baby. For the first few months, wash your hands regularly after changing his or her diapers, before touching or carrying the baby.
Also Read: A premature baby needs extra care. Here’s what you can do
4. Avoid visitors
Parents should limit the baby’s exposure to the outside world for a few months as they are more sensitive to pollution and noise and are prone to infections. Limit the number of visitors to your home, especially school-age children and anyone with a respiratory infection.
5. No smoking
If you have a premature baby at home, do not allow anyone to smoke, as it can damage the baby’s developing lungs.
4. Follow some safe practices
Some simple practices must be followed to ensure comfortable breathing and avoid emergencies at home. Always put the baby to sleep in the supine position (lying on the back). They should not be kept in the womb until several weeks after birth. Place the baby on a firm, flat mattress, avoid pillows or soft toys on or near the baby’s bed.
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5. Necessary items for bathing
Premature babies are sensitive and have sensitive skin, it is essential to take care of their skin. Do not use any chemical based products on baby’s skin as they can cause adverse effects. Always use warm water instead of hot water on baby’s skin for bathing and avoid fancy baby products in baby’s bath routine. Keep bath time short to avoid overexposure to water and keep baby warm by wrapping in a soft towel immediately after bathing.
6. Take extra care of their skin
Apply coconut oil or any chemical-free moisturizer regularly. A gentle oil massage is good for the baby, but avoid vigorous massage and firm massage. Also, do not use talcum powder or scented creams.
Also Read: From diaper rash to summer skin problems, follow these tips for baby skin care
7. Heed the warning signs
Observe the baby for any signs of lethargy, poor feeding, fever, loose stools, repeated vomiting, decreased urination, or unusual skin rash. If in doubt, contact your health care provider immediately.
8. Follow-up plan
Visit your pediatrician regularly as per schedule and don’t miss important tests like retina check, hearing test and neurodevelopmental assessment. Avoid vaccinations as they boost your baby’s immunity against common infections.
Keeping these tips in mind, you will be able to care for your premature baby at home without much worry.