Premature babies need enough care and attention from parents. If you have a premature baby, you must make extra effort in caring for him. You have to realize that these babies need careful handling. Try to consult a physician all the time for some advices about caring for a premature baby. Keep in mind that your baby may not grow as fast as the full term ones. But you need not to worry so much because at one point in his life he will be able to catch up with the growth and development rate.
FEEDING AND NUTRITION
This is one of the most important aspect of caring for a premature baby. You must know that your baby must be fed for at least 8 times a day to keep him healthy and growing. Most of the times, he will vomit after you feed him but you need not to panic since this normally happens to premature babies.
SOLID FOOD
Always remember that these babies have immature digestive system and they have not fully developed their swallowing ability. You can start feeding your baby with solid foods 6 months after his due date and not from the time he was born. You have to realize that it will take time for them to develop their body just like full term babies have.
SLEEPING HABITS
You must put your baby on his back while sleeping to avoid sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS which is highly associated with premature babies. You must know that these babies have to sleep most of the time but at short intervals. They must have enough sleep for them to grow healthy and fast.
VISION AND HEARING
Experts say that these babies are more prone in having crossed eyes compared to full term ones. But you need not to worry since it will disappear on its own as babies gain more control on their muscles. There are premature babies who acquire retinopathy of prematurity or ROP due to defective blood vessels in the eyes. You need to consult a physician for this ailment. Statistics also show that they are more prone in having hearing difficulties so you must be careful in caring for them.
Immunization is important for your baby to keep away from illnesses. You have to realize that he is more prone to infections because of immature physical body. You need to secure him all the time. When you want to travel with your baby, you must have a secure and comfortable baby car seat that will support his body so that traveling will be smooth for him.
There are a lot of things that you must know on how to care effectively for your premature baby. Always remember that you need to make extra effort for your baby to cope up with his needs. Try to give provide everything that will make him better and healthier.