A near-term infant, also known as a late-preterm baby, is typically characterized by a 34- to 38-week birth. As the March of Dimes notes, when you're pregnant, every week counts, and when your baby is born earlier, he may have some health problems you hadn't anticipated. Making sure that you obtain the proper care for your near-term infant ensures the best outcome for an early baby. Your near-term infant will have certain risks and susceptibilities that you'll need to take into consideration as you bring your baby home from the hospital.
Step 1
Breastfeed your near-term infant if at all possible. In being born early, your baby will have missed out on crucial development that takes place in the last few weeks of gestation. Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your near-term infant, as it supplies the perfect balance of nutrition to help your baby grow properly. Many near-term infants have problems learning to breastfeed because of their small size and abilities, but a lactation consultant can help give you the tools necessary to successfully breastfeed your near-term baby.
Step 2
Institute kangaroo care as part of your near-term infant care plan. Kangaroo care is the practice of holding your baby skin-to-skin against your body to aid in growth and development. It's a technique especially successful with smaller near-tern infants and even decreases infant mortality, notes the Ohio Lactation Consultant Association. Take time to utilize kangaroo care as part of your care plan, or as instituted by your baby's neonatolgist or pediatrician.
Step 3
Keep your near-term baby confined to indoor, private areas for the first few months, especially during the months of October through April. Near-term babies are more susceptible to respiratory syncytial virus during those months, as they have immature immune systems, according to the Family Magazine Group. The virus is passed through germs found in common public places, including churches, malls, grocery stores and even family get-togethers. Make sure that anyone touching your baby washes his hands with antibacterial soap beforehand.
Step 4
Visit your infant's pediatrician regularly for scheduled well-baby checkups. Your pediatrician will need to check for signs of jaundice, developmental issues and illnesses. Because your baby is near-term, you may need to schedule bi-weekly visits at first, decreasing the need for visits as your baby catches up developmentally. It's important that you attend every appointment to talk to your pediatrician about your baby's development, and to ensure that you stay up-to-date on her condition and her immunizations with your pediatrician's help and guidance.
