Caring for a Premature Baby

If your baby arrived earlier than expected, you’re not alone. Around one in ten babies in the U.S. are born prematurely, and many of them grow up to be healthy, thriving children. Still, it’s completely normal to feel anxious or have questions about what comes next. Caring for a premature baby can feel overwhelming at first, but with time, support, and guidance, you’ll find your way. 

Premature birth is defined as delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Babies born between 34 and 36 weeks are considered late preterm, those born between 32 and 34 weeks are moderately preterm, and babies born before 32 weeks are extremely preterm. The earlier a baby is born, the more help they may need in the beginning, but most preemies, especially those born later in pregnancy, go on to do very well with attentive care and medical support.

Right after birth, your baby’s care depends on how early they were born and how developed their organs are. Premature babies are often smaller, with thinner skin and less body fat, which makes it harder for them to stay warm. That’s why many preemies spend time in an incubator in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where their temperature, breathing, and heart rate can be closely monitored. Some premature infants may need help breathing because their lungs are still developing. In those cases, doctors may provide oxygen or use a ventilator until your baby can breathe on their own. These early days can be stressful for parents, but NICU teams specialize in caring for premature infants and work closely with you to ensure your baby gets everything they need.

As your baby grows stronger and starts to transition home, you’ll begin to notice gradual progress in feeding, sleep, and alertness. Many premature babies need more time to learn to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing during feeding, but feeding typically improves with time. When it comes to sleep, it’s common for preemies to wake more often and not sleep through the night during the first several months. Keeping nighttime feedings calm, quiet, and dimly lit while encouraging play and interaction during the day can help your baby learn the difference between day and night.

You might also notice that your baby’s growth and development look a little different compared to babies born full-term. This is completely normal. To help you track progress, pediatricians use a concept called corrected age (or adjusted age). This means that your baby’s developmental milestones are measured based on their due date rather than their birth date. For example, if your baby was born two months early and is now six months old, their corrected age is four months. Thus, you would look for milestones typical of a four-month-old, not a six-month-old. This adjustment is especially helpful during your baby’s first two years, as their development gradually catches up to that of full-term babies.

Premature babies may reach milestones, such as rolling over, sitting, or walking, a little later than their peers, and that’s normal. What’s most important is that your baby continues to make progress at their own pace. If your pediatrician notices any areas of delay, early intervention programs can help provide extra support to promote motor, language, and social skills. Many parents find comfort in knowing that early therapy can make a big difference in helping their preemie meet milestones.

Regular well-child visits are essential for all babies, but they’re especially important for those born prematurely. These checkups allow your pediatrician to monitor growth, nutrition, vision, hearing, and developmental progress, as well as address any health concerns early on. Some preemies may need additional visits or referrals to specialists, depending on their medical history. Each baby’s care plan is individualized to ensure they receive the right level of attention and support.

Caring for a premature baby is a process that takes time and patience. It’s natural to feel uncertain at times, but remember, you’re not in this alone. Your pediatrician is here to guide you every step of the way, answer your questions, and celebrate each milestone your baby achieves. If you have any questions about your preemie’s health, feeding, or development, or to schedule your baby’s next well visit, call our office.