Caring for Your Premature Baby at Home

Patient instructions:

Congratulations, it’s time to take your baby home! Here are some important things to remember as you take this step.

Develop routines

The hospital is very different from home. At home, it's important to establish routines for your baby and the whole family:

• Put your baby to bed at the same time every night. They should sleep in their own crib in a quiet room.

• Put your baby on their tummy on the floor to play several times each day. The total time should at up to at least 1 hour.

• Have plenty of cuddle time, holding your baby with their shoulders forward and hands together.

• Don’t be afraid to take your baby outside in the sunshine on nice days. Avoid crowded areas.

• Limit the number of people who touch your baby, especially during cold and flu season.

Remember your baby’s age

You may be tempted to compare your baby with other babies with a similar birthday. For babies born early, use corrected age (how old your baby would be if born on the due date) instead of chronological age (how old your baby is based on their birthday) until about 2 years old. The weeks your baby was early are a big portion of their life as an infant and toddler but will become less significant over time.

When reading about baby milestones, use corrected age for:

• Feeding (always check with your child’s primary care provider before starting milk, food, or juice or changing your baby’s feeding plan)

• Growth (weight, length, and head)

• Sleep schedules/expectations

• Developmental milestones (rolling, sitting, walking, talking)

• Toys/play activities

Developmental progress

Use corrected age, but also remember:

• All milestones occur in a range, not at one exact age.

• It’s best to avoid comparing your baby to other babies. Look for your baby’s new skills each month in movement, making sounds, play, and social skills.

• Development happens best through play and spending time together.

• If you are worried that your baby is not making progress, tell your primary care provider and contact Early Intervention for an evaluation.

Special considerations

If your baby was born early, it’s best to avoid some baby items because they can make development harder. Current advice suggests avoiding:

• Jumperoos and Exersaucers/standing activity centers: These can place undue stress on your baby's developing muscles and joints. They should be avoided until your baby can sit well on their own, stand on flat feet, and briefly support their weight.

• Walkers: Walkers can be dangerous and delay motor skills development.

• Screens (phones, tablets, TV): Not recommended for any infant under 2 years of age. Screen time can interfere with language development and social interaction. Video chats to see far away family members are ok.

Learn more about safe positioning for developmental play.

Taking care of yourself

As a parent of an early baby, you have been through a lot! It’s normal to worry about your baby and to pay more attention to their development than you might with other children. You should ask your healthcare provider for more support if:

• Your baby’s development is always on your mind.

• Your worrying is making it difficult to enjoy time with your baby.

• You are not reassured when told that your baby is doing well.

It’s possible to get support and really enjoy your time with your baby. Remember, you are the most important person in your baby’s life. Babies are happiest when their caregivers take care of themselves and are happy too!

Reviewed July 2024 by Casey Hoffman, PhD