Special Care for Premature Infants

Infants born prematurely with only 24 to 32 weeks of gestation have qualities, needs and requirements that are different from full-term infants. These differences are evident in growth, development, behavior, and nutritional and medical requirements.

However, it is important to note that even though they have different needs, premature babies will grow up as healthy normal adults with proper parental care and guidance. If you have a premature baby, you will find these pieces of advice regarding special care for premature infants very helpful.

Growth and Development

It is important to accept right away that premature babies do not develop at the same rate as full-term infants. As you may probably have noticed, your baby is smaller than other infants. This should not be a cause for worry, as your little one will eventually catch up in size over time. In fact, most premature babies are known to have growth spurts and bursts.

What you should do is to keep a comprehensive record of your baby’s growth (height, weight and size gain) as well as activity milestones (how active your baby is, when he first smiled, when he first lifted his head and so on) so that you can monitor his progress effectively. It is imperative to have regular pediatric check-ups so that the doctor can also keep track of his growth and development.

Feeding

As for feeding, you need to discuss this matter with your doctor. Your doctor will advice you regarding feeding especially caloric intake, fluid intake, and vitamin and mineral supplementation that your baby may require to thrive normally.

Most premature babies have 8 to 10 feedings a day. Remember not to wait longer than 4 hours in between feeding to avoid dehydration. If your baby has six to eight wet diapers a day, this is a good sign that he is getting enough breast milk or formula. It is normal for your baby to spit up after feeding. However, you should see to it that your baby’s weight gain is in the normal range.

Your doctor would probably advise you to give your baby solid food four to six months after your baby’s original due date (not the date of birth). Since premature infants are born not as developed as full-term babies, it usually takes longer before they can develop the ability to swallow. Check with your doctor first to determine if your baby is ready to switch to solid food.

Sleeping Routine

Premature babies sleep more hours but for shorter periods than full-term babies. This may be difficult for your part as the parent because this would mean that you would be awake more often than parents of full-term babies. Soft music and dimmed lights can be helpful in making your baby sleep longer and more soundly. Keep in mind never to have your kid sleep on his stomach as this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Vision and Hearing

Premature babies are more at risk to optical problems such as strabismus, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and hearing impairments. Monitor your baby’s hearing and vision. If your baby does not get startled or does not turn his head at loud noises, there may be something wrong with his hearing. It is necessary to bring your child to a doctor for regular check-up of vision and hearing.

Your premature baby has different requirements and needs but just like most kids, he also needs the same kind of love, support, and guidance that any child needs.