Premature babies are generally considered to be those born at a under normal baby's weight, basically less than 3 pounds or 1300 grams. Since they are born before the due date, their vital organs are usually not yet perfectly developed. This condition leads to various health problems and usually causes in growth and development. Due to their weakened and unstable condition, these babies need special care. Parents with a premature baby have to know the proper care to give to ensure that the baby is always in an optimum condition. If you have a premature baby, here are some tips on care that you can try:
1. Baby's Growth and Development: After leaving the hospital, it is important for you to take your baby to the doctor for regular check-ups. The doctor will mainly check your baby's weight and recommend the best foods and supplements such as vitamins and iron. Vitamins are beneficial to help your baby grows and stay healthy. Extra iron is also needed as premature babies often lack sufficient iron. Taking iron drops for 4 months or more will help your child obtain the same amount of iron as a full-term baby.
For the first two years, the growth rate of your baby will often be less than that of a full-term baby. They tend to be smaller during the first two years. To track your baby's growth, your doctor will probably use a growth chart specifically for premature babies.
2. Feeding Schedule: Premature babies need frequent feeding. Generally, they will need about 8 to 10 feedings per day. The interval between feedings is about four hours, otherwise he or she may become dehydrated. He or she may spit up after feeding but this is normal. When should start to introduce solid foods? Doctors will usually recommend starting solid food at 4 to 6 months after your baby's original due date calculated for a normal full-term birth. You need to wait longer to give solid food as the swallowing ability grows more slowly than a full-term baby does.
3. Sleeping Habits: All babies should lie on their back when sleeping, not on their stomach. This is important to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is a syndrome that causes unexplained death in babies younger than one year old.
4. Vision and Hearing: Some premature babies suffer from an eye disease called Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). This disease is caused by abnormal small blood vessels growth in the eyes. However, this disease only occurs in babies born at 32 weeks of pregnancy or earlier. If your baby suffers from this disease, your doctor may advice you to see an eye specialist. In addition, premature babies are likely to have hearing problems.
5. Traveling by Car: When you travel with your baby using a car, make sure that he or she uses an infant car seat. Install it in the back seat and keep an eye on your baby during the trip. You can use your rear-view mirror to look at your baby. Never leave a baby alone in the car, even if it is only a few minutes.
If you have a premature baby, think positively as it will help you face the problem in a much easier way. You need to be optimistic that he or she will grow normally just as full-term babies, since most premature babies catch up and seem no different after age two. In addition, show your affection to your loved one since it is important for his development.
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