If you have a premature baby or a baby in neonatal care this can be an overwhelming and stressful time.
But you can help your baby's development by being present and taking part in their care. This will help your baby cope with the difficulty of separation and stressful experiences.
Corrected age and development
If your baby was born early, you can work out how well they're developing based on your pregnancy due date. This is called their corrected age.
For example, if your 10-month-old baby was born 2 months early, their corrected age is 8 months old. You can check that your baby is meeting the milestones for 8 months.
Most premature babies meet their milestones for their corrected age and grow up healthy.
How to help your premature baby develop
There are things you can do to help your baby to develop.
Approach
The way you approach your baby affects your interaction with them. Talk gently to your baby and wait to see their response before you touch them. This gives your baby the opportunity to take the lead.
Skin-to-skin contact
Holding your baby directly against your skin can help your baby regulate their sleep, temperature and heart rate.
Skin-to-skin contact can also:
- help your baby grow
- support your milk supply if you are breastfeeding
- help you learn how to be sensitive to your baby's needs and cues
- increase your confidence in caring for your baby
Skin-to-skin contact with your newborn baby
Touch
Gentle, responsive touch and massage can help soothe your baby and support bonding. It may also help support their digestive system. This in turn supports growth.
Sound
Your baby can hear very well when they are born. Talking and reading to them can help calm them. Note the sounds that soothe or upset them.
Light
Bright light is stressful for premature babies. Soft lighting and shade helps them get used to life outside the womb.
Smell
Avoid perfumed products so that your baby can recognise your natural smell.
Sleep
Supporting your baby's sleep helps them to grow. This includes giving your baby time to rest and recover between interactions.
Talking
Your baby recognises your voice from early on. Talking to them throughout the day helps them feel calm and secure. It helps communication to develop.
Reading
Sharing a book with your baby gives them a chance to hear your voice and enjoy the rhythm of language. It does not matter what you read - they just enjoy listening and being close to you.
Singing
Singing to your baby is very calming. The gentle rhythm of songs can help them relax, feel safe and settle more easily.
Too much stimulation at once can feel like a lot for your baby. Try one thing at a time. Pause to give them a moment to show you how they’re feeling. As your baby grows and matures you will notice their ability to interact more.