Tips: One of the most joyful experiences for parents is bringing a premature child home after weeks or months in the NICU. After that lengthy time in the NICU, even the parents will be worn out. The parents must have been under a lot of stress. Discharge, however, is just the start of the trip; particular care at home is still necessary.

Since their organs are still developing, preterm newborns need ongoing care, even at home, according to Dr. Amit Gupta, Senior Neonatologist & Pediatrician, Motherhood Hospitals, Noida. They may also have eating problems, temperature fluctuations, and an increased susceptibility to infections. A seamless transition and healthy development are ensured by knowing how to take care of them at home.

After arriving home, the new parents may encounter the following difficulties: Breastfeeding the newborn is difficult for most new mothers. Some infants may take longer to suck and swallow, or they may get quickly fatigued while feeding. Some mothers may not be able to stay warm. Babies who have weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to coughing or colds. Some infants may have inconsistent sleep patterns or slight breathing pauses. It’s common for premature newborns to reach milestones a little later than full-term babies. The new parents must monitor the baby’s growth and development and seek medical advice if there are any issues.

Important advice for caring for a preterm infant at home

Keep yourself clean: Before you touch the infant, wash your hands. To lower the danger of illness, keep guests out of your house.

Keep the infant warm by dressing them in cozy layers and keeping the space comfortable. Kangaroo care, or skin-to-skin contact, improves the mother-child relationship and aids with temperature regulation.

Observe a feeding schedule: Regularly feed little quantities. The healthiest nourishment for premature newborns is breast milk since it promotes development and boosts immunity. For the baby’s convenience, be sure to talk to the lactation specialist about the proper nursing positions.

Frequent check-ups: Maintain your child’s immunizations and visits. Physicians will keep an eye on general development, head growth, and weight gain.

Breathing difficulties, poor eating, blue skin, or extreme tiredness should all be reported right once to the doctor so that prompt action may be taken. Avoid using a heavy blanket and a soft mattress to ensure the infant has a good night’s sleep. The room’s temperature should be carefully controlled so that it is neither too hot nor too chilly.

It is well known that preterm infants reach developmental milestones determined by their age, which is determined by their due date rather than their actual birthdate. For instance, compared to full-term kids, a baby born two months early may reach milestones like smiling, sitting, or crawling two to three months later. Thus, be careful to document the baby’s developmental milestones. Now is the moment, parents, to put your child’s health first and make sure they flourish.