Tips to Care for a Premature Baby at Home

Premature or preterm babies are born before 39 weeks of gestation. Depending on their birth weight and health, the majority of preterm babies born before 35 weeks need medical treatment and are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for weeks or months. To ensure their proper growth and development, they require gentle affection and care. 

According to studies, around 3,341,000 babies in India are born too early each year. The NICU period can be overwhelming for parents, both emotionally and physically. However, this time is also an important opportunity to begin supporting your baby’s daily care. Simple home remedies for premature baby care make a meaningful difference in your baby’s recovery and bonding. Although caring for a premature newborn at home may seem challenging, there are various premature baby care tips for new parents to follow. Here are some tips for caring for a premature baby at home.

Why Do Premature Babies Need Better Care Than Term Babies?

Premature babies are born before their 9-month (39-week) cycle is completed, which prevents them from reaching their full developmental period. A term baby, on the other hand, is healthier and has the necessary time to develop. Additionally, a premature or preterm infant is far more likely to experience psychological issues like anxiety and serious medical conditions like SIDS later in life.

Premature newborns don't always have medical complications. However, premature birth can result in both short-term and long-term health issues. Certain problems may be evident from birth. Others may not appear immediately.

Short-term Complications

Premature birth problems can include the following in the very first weeks:

• Breathing problems or apnea
• Heart problems such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and low blood pressure
• Brain problems such as intraventricular hemorrhage
• Temperature control problems, such as hypothermia
• Digestive problems leading to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
• Blood problems such as anemia and newborn jaundice

Long-term Complications

Premature birth can result in long-term health complications such as:

• Cerebral palsy
• Trouble learning
• Vision problems 
• Hearing problems
• Dental problems
• Behavior and mental health problems
• Ongoing health issues such as Illnesses, asthma and feeding problems or Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Also Read: Tips for Normal Delivery

How To Take Care of A Premature Baby At Home?

Parents should become accustomed to caring for their baby, including feeding, holding, soothing, changing, and understanding baby cues, with the help of the medical team. After the baby is released from the hospital, follow the given tips, including feeding and sleeping tips for premature babies at home:

Feed Them Properly

Premature newborns sometimes struggle to feed because of their poor suck-swallow-breathing coordination. Due to delayed development, babies may also be unable to express their hunger by crying or other behaviors; therefore, parents must check on their babies and feed them on schedule. As directed by your physician, feed your baby every two or three hours. Adequate eating is indicated by increased activity, consistent urination, and weight gain.

Regulate Their Temperature Regularly

It is recommended that parents maintain skin-to-skin contact with their baby to control body temperature. Kangaroo care is another name for this skin-to-skin contact technique. It is a unique technique for providing a baby with the proper amount of warmth for their body, which involves holding them close to your chest. Premature newborns tend to keep up with room temperature, so it's also important to ensure they're dressed appropriately and kept warm and comfortable.

Sleep

Newborns usually sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day, but premature babies may sleep much longer. To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, all newborns, even preemies, should sleep on their backs (in the supine position). It is best to wait several weeks after birth before putting them to tummy time. Avoid placing pillows or plush toys on or next to the baby's bed; instead, place them on a firm, flat mattress.

Maintain Proper Hygiene

Preterm newborns have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections and diseases. As a result, practice good hygiene both around the house and when interacting with the baby. During the first several months, wash your hands frequently after changing the baby's diapers before handling or carrying him or her.

Avoid Visitors

Parents should limit their baby's exposure to the outside world for several months because they are more susceptible to pollution and noise and can become infected. Limit the number of visitors to your home, particularly school-aged children and those with respiratory tract infections. If someone has a respiratory condition, they should stay at least 2 metres away from the baby and wash their hands frequently, as they may transfer the disease through anything they touch with dirty hands.

Bathing Essentials

Because preterm babies' skin is sensitive and fragile, it is important to handle it with gentle care. Avoid applying any chemical-based products to the baby's skin as they may cause adverse reactions. When bathing a baby, always use warm water rather than hot water, and stay away from fancy baby products. Limit the duration of the bath to prevent the baby from being exposed to excess water, and after the bath, quickly wrap them in a soft towel to keep them warm.

Do Proper Skin Care 

Regularly use coconut oil or another moisturizer without chemicals. Avoid tight swaddling and vigorous massages, but give the baby a little oil massage. Additionally, avoid using scented creams or talcum powder. If you have a premature baby at home, don't let anyone smoke because it can harm the baby's growing lungs.

Protect Your Baby From RSV

Premature babies are more susceptible to RSV infection, a dangerous disease. A virus causes this condition. It affects the lungs as well as other respiratory organs. There are several ways to protect premature babies from serious RSV infections. One is the RSV vaccination, which protects newborns from birth to six months of age. The other involves giving the baby an antibody product. This product is known as Beyfortus or nirsevimab. 

Get Your Baby Vaccinated

Vaccines help protect against serious health conditions. Premature babies whose health is stable for their age are recommended to receive vaccinations. Your baby's care team may discuss with you the best time for your baby to have each vaccination. Commonly, this schedule has delays. Make sure your baby receives all of the recommended vaccinations by consulting with their healthcare practitioner.

Notice The Warning Signs 

Check the baby for signs of lethargy, poor eating, fever, loose stools, repeated vomiting, decreased urine, or a strange skin rash. If in doubt, get in touch with your healthcare doctor immediately. Don't skip any important tests, such as the neurodevelopmental evaluation, hearing test, or retinal check, and see your pediatrician regularly as scheduled.

Protect Your Baby with Effective Treatment and Care!

Caring for a premature baby can be difficult, so don't be afraid to ask for assistance from family, friends, or support groups. Having a preemie demands resilience, emotional strength, and patience. Additionally, look after your own mental and physical well-being. Parental burnout can result from sleep deprivation and ongoing anxiety. Eat nutritious meals, seek emotional support when necessary, and rest whenever feasible. A parent who gets enough sleep is better able to give their baby the finest care possible.

At Apollo Spectra, we understand the various concerns and the importance of how to take care of a premature baby at home. Keeping this in mind, we offer specialized care for newborns, especially small and premature babies. Our facility provides outstanding medical services, including dialysis units, labs, endoscopy suites, EEG, and sleep labs. Contact us to get the best possible care and support for your preemie.