Parent and Baby

A normal pregnancy lasts nine months or about 38 to 42 weeks. Newborns are considered to be premature or preemie if they are born before they are 37 weeks old. There are a lot of difference between a premature baby and a full term baby including its care. Infants that are born prematurely need special care especially during the first two years, especially if they are very small at birth.

It is important to take your baby to his pediatrician as soon as the baby leaves the hospital. The doctor will check your baby’s weight gain and will monitor it closely. You will also be given special instructions in caring for your baby. Follow all the instructions carefully and to the letter. Your doctor may recommend vitamins, iron and a special formula if the baby is bottle-fed. Vitamins are often given to premature babies to help them grow and stay healthy. Your baby also may need extra iron. Report any abnormalities and do not hesitate to ask questions.

Premature babies need at least 8 to 10 feedings per day at first. Don’t wait longer than 4 hours between feedings because your baby may get dehydrated. ix to 8 wet diapers a day show that your baby is getting enough breast milk or formula. Premature babies often spit up after a feeding. If your baby spits up too much, he or she may not gain enough weight. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you think your baby is spitting up too much. Most premature babies can start taking solid foods at 4 to 6 months after the baby’s original due date and not the birth date. This is because solid foods might cause choking because they have yet to fully develop their swallowing ability. Special diet may be recommended for premature babies with medical problems.

Although premature babies sleep more hours each day than full-term babies, they sleep for shorter periods of time and they wake up more often. It is recommended for all babies, full term and premature, to sleep on their backs and not on their stomachs. Use a firm mattress and no pillow. Sleeping on the stomach and sleeping on soft mattresses may increase your baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Immunization schedule for premature infants is the same as full term ones. Premature babies might get sick often than full term ones.

When traveling with your baby in a car, use an infant car seat (or another kind of infant carrier, if your doctor advises). Be sure that your baby’s head and body don’t slump over when he or she is in the car seat. You can use rolled-up towels or diapers to give your baby support in the car seat. Do not put your baby in the front seat ever especially if your car has air bag on the passenger’s side. Keep your eye on your baby from time to time or you can have someone to watch out for him. If you’re using an apnea monitor for your baby, it should be used even while your baby is riding in the car. Your baby shouldn’t be left alone in the car, not even for a few minutes