Of course, caring for premature babies requires more sensitivity. Feeding, sleeping, cleaning and other needs may differ for them. So, what are the differences in the care of premature babies compared to full-term babies? What are the things to be considered in premature baby care? We answered the questions about premature babies…
What does premature baby mean?
First of all , let’s answer thequestion ofwhich babies are classified as premature or when they are born at what week they are premature : The ideal time for a baby to be born is between 39 and 40 weeks. However, babies born at 38 weeks are also considered to be born at a normal time. babies born at 37 weeks and below are called premature babies . 32. babies born at 37 weeks and before are called advanced premature babies. Babies born before their due date are usually taken to special care areas called incubators.
Why is a premature baby incubated?
compared to babies born between 38-41 weeks, premature babies need special care. They need to be offered an environment close to the conditions in the womb. The special feature of these incubators is that they provide a suitable environment for respiratory problems due to lung development, infection risks and proper nutrition.
When is a premature baby taken out of the incubator?
The question of when a premature baby leaves the hospital marks the end of the anxious wait for parents. It should be emphasized that each baby’s situation is unique and the physician can decide on the duration of incubation. In general, if the baby does not have breathing problems and can suck and feed, it is taken out of the incubator. Of course , care should be taken against the risk of infection during the home care of the premature baby.
Caring for a premature baby at home
One of the most important issues in home care of premature babies is to be careful about the risk of infection. It may also be necessary to be more careful about feeding, clothing and personal hygiene of the premature baby. We can list the things to be considered in premature baby care as follows:
- The house should be clean and the room where the baby sleeps should be ventilated frequently.
- Bottles should be sterilized, and infant nutrition and the mother’s personal hygiene should be of utmost importance. If bottles are used for feeding, glass bottles should be preferred and sterilized with a bottle sterilizer after each use.
- It may also be necessary to be a little more sensitive about changing the baby’s diaper. The baby should not have dirty diapers, diapers should be chosen carefully, hands should be washed before and after cleaning the baby and dirty diapers should not be kept in the baby’s environment or even at home. It should also be sensitive to the choice of baby care wipes.
- Another issue is the baby’s delicate skin. Premature skin is very sensitive and prone to dryness. Creams that will disrupt the pH balance of the skin, wet wipes should not be preferred and perfume-free products should be selected in this early period.
- Boiled and then warmed water should be used for premature baby bathing
- Based on the physician’s advice, it should be kept in mind that premature babies are a little more likely to get cold and the necessary protection should be provided
- One hundred percent cotton products should be selected when buying clothes for premature babies
A pillow is not recommended for premature baby sleep and it is advisable to sleep in the dark or in dim light.