Giving birth to a tiny human who is an equal mix of you and your partner is a joyful moment. But that moment can quickly turn into a stressful one if your baby is born prematurely. Seeing your little one covered with tubes in the NICU can be heart-wrenching. But soon, your baby will be out of the NICU and ready to go home.
Before you take your newborn home, stocking up on things they will need is essential. Your preparation won’t end with purchasing a cot or a few blankets to keep them warm. You will need several other things to cater to the unique needs of your preemie.
Wondering what to stock up on before taking your little bundle of joy home? Well, this article has got you covered. Here, we’ll discuss the items you must buy before taking your preemie home. Having these on hand will allow you to provide the best care for your tiny bundle of joy.
#1 Preemie-Sized Clothing
Newborn-sized clothing won’t be the right choice for your preemie since they are too small to fit in it. You can buy them, but you won’t need them right away.
Before you take your premature baby home, make sure you buy high-quality clothes that are actually of their size. Preemie-sized clothing is designed for smaller frames, and some even feature special flaps for IV lines. If your baby still has the G-tube, make sure you go for clothes that have flaps toward the stomach for easy access.
You must stock short-sleeve and long-sleeve onesies, one-piece pajamas with long sleeves and feet, and caps before bringing your preemie home. Make sure you also purchase a few pairs of booties or socks and scratch mittens. Dressier outfits aren’t a necessity, but they are nice to have.
When shopping for clothes, choose only those that are soft and easy to put on.
#2 Feeding Supplies
Newborns demand to be fed around the clock, and so will your preemie. Unlike newborns, premature babies have difficulty coordinating the suck-swallow reflex. You will need certain supplies to make the feeding process easy for your little one.
Irrespective of whether you decide to breastfeed or formula-feed, bottles and nipples are the first things you must buy. Buy breast pumps, too. Many preemies have difficulty latching on the breasts. You will have to express your breast milk and feed it to your preemie through the bottle. Have plenty of bottles and nipples at hand, so you can get through the day without washing them.
Some premature babies thrive well on breast milk solely. The nutrient requirement of others, however, is different. Breast milk alone doesn’t supply them with all the nutrients they need. If that is the case with your little one, you will have to supplement with formula.
Go for any formula other than Similac and Enfamil. Over 400 parents have filed the NEC lawsuit against Mead Johnson and Abbott Laboratories. These parents allege that its formula caused necrotizing enterocolitis in their premature babies.
Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is a disease of the intestinal tract characterized by the inflammation of the lining of the intestinal tissue. This life-threatening illness, TorHoerman Law explains, can lead to serious complications such as sepsis or perforation of the intestine in newborns.
No lawsuit has reached a settlement yet, but lawyers estimate that the NEC lawsuit payout can be between $5,000 and more than $500,000.
To be on the safe side, ask your pediatrician which formula will be safe for your preemie. They will help you choose a high-quality formula that meets your preemie’s nutritional needs.
#3 Diapers
Don’t commit the mistake of buying regular newborn diapers for your preemie. Premature babies are too small for regular diapers designed for newborns. Just like clothes, you will have to stock up on preemie-sized diapers. These diapers are specifically designed to fit smaller babies snugly without causing irritation.
You’ll find both fabric as well as disposable diapers on the market. Cloth diapers are cost-effective because they are reusable. Disposable diapers are use-and-throw. They will cost you a bit but save you from the hassle of washing them every time they are soiled. Choose whichever option you find convenient.
#4 Nasal Aspirator
Keeping your preemie’s nose clear is important so that they can breathe easily. A nasal aspirator will help you do that, so buy one.
Preemies often have smaller and more delicate airways. This makes them more susceptible to congestion. A good nasal aspirator, however, will help you gently remove mucus, preventing discomfort and potential breathing difficulties.
A basic bulb syringe aspirator will help you keep your baby’s nasal passage clear. But it might not be effective in clearing stubborn congestion. An electric nasal aspirator will be the best bet in such a situation.
To wrap things up, moving to your home from the hospital with your preemie might seem like a challenge. But you can ease the transition by stocking up on all the essentials your preemie will require. Make sure you buy all the supplies mentioned here before welcoming your baby home.
Swaddle blankets, sleep sacks, and baby thermometers are other items you must have in your space. Having all these supplies by your side will make it easier for you to meet your preemie’s specific needs.
