Premature infants need special care for their first two years of life. Babies born extremely small, or less than three pounds, according to the Family Doctor website may need even more advanced care. Once you have your premature infant home, finding someone able to care for his needs can be a daunting task. Some states provide specialized services to premature infants while in other areas parents are left to find suitable care without any help.
Step 1
Speak with the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or graduate nursery personnel to inquire about any childcare centers in your area that they recommend. Your infant's NICU and graduate nursery personnel know your infant's specific needs and may be able to recommend child care facilities able to care for her.
Step 2
Contact the local childcare licensing agency. The licensing agency will not only be able to tell you which centers in your area are able to handle special needs children but they also will be a resource for which centers perform well on their normal licensing audits.
Step 3
Speak with parents of any support groups with which you belong. Many parents of premature infants have been in the same situation and have found suitable childcare.
Step 4
Interview the directors of any of the recommended childcare facility. You will want to discuss your infant's specific needs, medications and personality. Other items to discuss include cost, hours of operation and the centers policy for handling a medical emergency.
Step 5
Discuss having your infant's therapists come to the center to have therapy sessions. Having the therapists come to the childcare facility will help continue your infant's routine from the home to the facility and free your evenings for family time without therapy and doctors.
Tips and Warnings
- Provide the childcare center you choose with a complete list of known health issues to keep on file. This information will be needed in case of a medical emergency.
