All expectant mothers are preparing for the birth of a baby, but sometimes this happens before the time determined by the doctors. And in the event of a premature birth, you will have to postpone the diapers, bodysuits and other clothes purchased in advance, since they are designed for ordinary newborns.
There is no need to panic, because the little one will need all these things very soon, since premature babies grow and gain weight rather quickly. In the meantime, you need to entrust the purchase of everything necessary for low-weight children to a newly-made dad or order everything yourself in online stores for children.
You just need to know what things a premature baby will need and what is important to consider when buying clothes for such a baby.
Things to the hospital
It is not worth buying a lot of small things at once. If the premature baby is in the incubator, he only needs a diaper and a cap (without a headdress, the baby loses heat faster). The cap is changed every day, so 3-5 pieces are enough to stay in the hospital.
If the baby does not need the conditions of the incubator, then it will be kept in a heated cradle, so the baby will not need hats either. According to doctors, a warmed premature does not need extra clothes. In addition, it will be an additional irritating factor for the delicate skin of the baby.
What to take for discharge
It is best to buy clothes for the day of discharge a few days before the event, as babies born prematurely quickly gain weight and by the time the mother returns home, they can grow out of the things prepared for discharge.
The best choice would be things without a certain size, for example, the envelope should be replaced with an elegant blanket, because the baby will simply "drown" in the envelope, and the blanket can be tucked up just according to the baby's height. It is best to choose warm clothes for the baby so that during the trip home the baby does not lose heat, because the thermoregulation of premature babies is still imperfect.
An optimal set of clothes for discharge may include:
- Diaper.
- Body.
- Sliders.
- Thin socks in summer and wool socks in cold weather.
- A thin cotton hat, and in winter, another warm hat should be put on top of it.
- A thin blanket for the summer period and a product on a sheepskin or synthetic winterizer for discharge in winter.
- The ribbon to tie the blanket with.
Clothes for premature babies
Clothes for babies weighing 1000 g and above 34 cm are available in most supermarkets of children's goods and can be bought on the Internet without any problems. They are presented in an assortment of both expensive brands, and manufacturers of children's clothing in the mid-price segment, and affordable domestic knitwear.
When choosing clothes for an infant born prematurely, consider the following nuances:
- All products must be made of natural linen. Chemical fibers can be used only for seams that will not directly contact the skin of the crumbs.
- In places where clothes will touch the baby's body and head, there should be no knots or seams.
- Also, the child's body should not come into contact with buttons and buttons.
- Premature babies should not buy clothes that go over the baby's head.
- Due to insufficient development of thermoregulatory mechanisms, a child born prematurely should wear warmer clothes until weight gain of 3000 g.
Diapers
Disposable diapers for low-weight babies are available from many manufacturers. They are distinguished by a special cut, and also have an opening for the umbilical wound.
When buying diapers at the hospital, estimate the approximate amount you will need. Since the baby will be changed by nurses, and this will happen during feedings, it turns out that 6-8 diapers are required for one day.
If a mom wants to avoid using disposable diapers after discharge, reusable panties with absorbent replaceable liners can help her. They are advised to use them only at home, because on a walk such a diaper can provoke hypothermia of the baby.
Things for feeding
Small children are advised to buy special bottles and nipples so that during feeding the baby does not choke and choke on milk, water or mixture. A small bottle is recommended, and pacifiers are preferable to a special shape resembling a mother's nipple.
Toys
When choosing the first toys that can be hung over the baby's crib, buy bright and high quality items. They help you learn to focus your gaze and improve the functioning of the nervous system.
Such toys are hung at a distance of about 60-70 cm from the baby's eyes. If the baby was born with a weight of more than 2000 g, the toys will come in handy within 1-1.5 months after giving birth. For babies weighing 1500-2000 g, you need to hang toys a little later - at the age of 1.5-2 months, and if the baby weighed less than 1500 g, then even later - at 2-2.5 months.
Learn more about your baby's first toys in the following video.
Tips
- If you intend to swaddle a premature baby at home, avoid swaddling tightly. Doctors warn that it contributes to the development of dysplasia of the pelvic joints, a predisposition to which is already present in children born prematurely.
- It's a good idea to buy a special sleeping bag for your premature toddler to sleep in, as using a regular blanket can be risky.
- When dressing a premature baby for a winter walk at a temperature of 5-10 degrees below zero, use a bodysuit, a wool suit or jumpsuit made of knitwear, as well as a warm lined jumpsuit. A cap made of knitted material and a warm hat or winter helmet are put on the baby's head. In addition, the baby is placed in a warm envelope before being put into the stroller.
- In the spring and during autumn walks, the child is also put on a thin and warmer hat, and if the weather is wet and windy, the clothes may be the same as in winter.
- During the summer, you should not put too much clothes on a premature baby, as it can easily provoke overheating of the baby. One suit and a cap is enough, as well as a light blanket.
- Keep baby clothes clean, as they are especially important for premature babies. Wash crumbs of clothes using special powders at 40 degrees and be sure to iron on both sides without using a steamer.
