Taking care of your premature baby at home
Sleeping positions for your premature baby
Though you'll be happy to have them home, taking care of your premature baby can be a nerve-wracking time to begin with, but remember that everyone around you is there to help. Most mums can't wait to see their premature baby snoozing happily in their very own cot. While in hospital, they may have spent most of their life so far sleeping on their front. Now they’ve finally arrived home, you’re advised to ensure they sleep on their back. While some neo-natal units help your baby to prepare for the change by moving them into this new position a couple of weeks before they’re due to leave, it’s not always the case – so some babies will need a little time to get used to their new sleeping position.
Although it can take time and patience before your baby adjusts, it’s worth persevering as putting them to sleep on their back can help to reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) or cot death.
Now you've got them at home, you might find you spend a lot of time just watching them dream. Some mums with premature babies also say that their baby seems to wriggle around a lot while they’re sleeping – much more than a full-term baby. If this is the case with your premature baby, don’t worry – it’s very common. Be reassured they’ll still be getting the sleep they need, even though they’re extra active.
The benefits of premature baby massage
Massaging your baby can have many benefits. Not only does it give you the perfect chance to be close to them, it can also help to improve their immune system, circulation, digestion and skin condition and your relaxing strokes can also help them drift off to sleep too.
You’ll find plenty of books on baby massage techniques, as well as online articles that demonstrate how it’s done . You could also try a local class where an instructor will take you through the techniques so that you feel confident.
If you’d like to give baby massage a try, here are a few guidelines to bear in mind:
- Choose a quiet, warm room so your baby doesn’t get cold
- Put something comfortable and waterproof down for them to lie on – a changing mat is ideal
- Make sure your hands are nice and warm
- Choose an oil that’s baby-safe. Baby oil is perfect, as is pure olive or almond oil, but remember that your premature baby may be more sensitive to oils
- If you’re worried about how much pressure to use, try this: close one of your eyes and press gently on your eyelid with a finger, but stop before it becomes uncomfortable. This will give you an idea of how gentle you should be, however, if you baby is very small you may need to reduce the pressure.
Protecting your baby from infection
If your baby was very premature or had difficulty breathing, their immune system may need a little bit of extra help until they grow stronger. But there's plenty you can do to limit the risk of them catching bugs and colds:
- Avoid busy public places and big groups of young children during the first couple of weeks
- Avoid shopping centres or other large, air-conditioned buildings
- Ask visitors to wash their hands before they touch your baby
- Steer clear of anyone with a cold or fever
Don’t worry if your baby appears a little ‘snuffly’ when they arrive home – the change of environment from hospital to home is often the cause, and as long as their temperature remains normal and they’re feeding and sleeping, it’s simply part of the acclimatisation process. But if there’s something worrying you, then it's worth checking with your health visitor or doctor to put your mind at rest – they’re on hand to offer you support and guidance.
Going back to hospital
Lots of premature babies experience minor set-backs which mean they have to go back into hospital for a few days. Although disheartening, it’s very common. If it’s very soon after they were discharged they may be re-admitted to their neo-natal unit, otherwise, they’ll go to the nearest children’s ward. Try not to worry; the medical staff will be highly-trained and have all the expertise needed to get them on the right track and back home with you as soon as possible.
If there’s anything on your mind or you have a question or a concern, our experienced team of Aptamil advisors include healthcare professionals and mums, and they're here to offer support and advice. Just call us anytime on 0800 996 1000, or start a conversation using our confidential online messaging service Live Chat Monday to Friday 8am-8pm.