Infants born before 37 weeks gestation are premature. They commonly require extra support to overcome medical challenges such as breathing issues, feeding problems, jaundice and immature body temperature regulation. If your baby was premature, his medical team won't release him from the hospital unless they are sure he is healthy enough. If you are nervous about taking him home, some careful planning will help you parent him as he grows stronger.
Step 1
Listen carefully to the hospital medical team before you leave the hospital. They will send you home with a follow-up medical care plan for your baby that organizes care with your pediatrician and any other necessary medical specialists, according to the Nemours Foundation. Depending on your baby's needs, they may also give you tips on using special equipment such as an apnea monitor, administering medications and gauging whether your baby is getting enough sleep or food, says Parenting Magazine.
Step 2
Buy the proper car seat. Verify the car seat is for babies less than 5 lbs. and that it comes with a shield or tray, says Parenting Magazine. Ask the hospital staff to keep an eye on your baby in the car seat before you take her home in it because she may have trouble breathing in that position. If necessary, you may need to purchase a car bed that will let your baby lie down during travel.
Step 3
Limit trips outside your house to pediatrician's office visits for several weeks. Your premature baby's immune system is still developing, so he shouldn't be around crowds of people who can transmit infections, says the Nemours Foundation. Ask your doctor how limited your baby's interactions with others should be. He may recommend limiting houseguests and suggest waiting with your baby in an examining room rather than the waiting room for check-ups.
Step 4
Feed your baby eight to 10 times each day. You should never go longer than four hours between feedings or your baby may become dehydrated, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. In general, your baby should have a wet diaper with each feeding and at least one bowel movement every day, according to Abbott Nutrition. Your baby should also continue to gain weight if she is getting enough to eat.
Step 5
Check his eyes and his hearing. Premature babies are more likely to have crossed eyes and hearing problems than full-term babies, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Your pediatrician should be able to assess whether your baby has crossed eyes but you should let him know if your baby doesn't seem to flinch or jump at loud noises or if he doesn't respond you when you make noises behind him or to the side of him.
Step 6
Sit in a warm room, dress your baby in just a diaper and lie with her so her ear is against your heart. This type of care, often called kangaroo care, can enhance your bonding, help you breastfeed and improve your premature baby's health, according to the Nemours Foundation.
Step 7
Mark your baby's progress but expect him to develop at an adjusted rate. He should reach milestones later than full-term babies of the same age. For example, if he was born two months early he should only act like a 3 month old when he is 5 months old, says Parenting Magazine.
