The most difficult months of raising a premature baby
Premature babies are born earlier than their due date and require special care and attention. During babies\’ most vulnerable years, parents need to focus and take action to ensure their health and safety. This article will share the experience of caring for premature babies during the most difficult months to help parents take better care of their babies.
Respiration and lung development
Breathing and lung development in premature infants is one of the greatest concerns. Many premature babies require additional respiratory support in the weeks after birth, including devices such as ventilators or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). At home, parents need to pay attention to their baby\’s breathing to make sure they don\’t suffocate while sleeping or feeding. In addition, parents need to avoid placing babies in smoke or pollen environments and keep the air fresh. In the meantime, it\’s crucial to consult with your pediatrician and follow their recommendations to perform daily breathing exercises and massage.
Feeding and nutrition
Premature babies need to eat and drink more frequently than full-term babies of the same age and may even require ongoing injectable nutritional support. Parents should work with their pediatrician to determine how much their baby should eat on a daily basis and to feed them on time. When the baby is not ready to nurse, breast milk or formula can be inserted through a tube into the stomach. Your pediatrician may recommend a special nutritional formula to ensure your baby gets enough nutrients. Parents should also ensure proper feeding practices are followed, as well as washing hands and disinfecting items.
Infection Prevention and Control
Premature babies\’ immune systems are not fully developed, making them more susceptible to infections. Infections pose a serious threat to the health and life of premature infants. Parents need to pay attention to the health of their babies, ensure that their babies are not exposed to diseases, and control the source of infection in a timely manner. All persons who come into contact with the baby need to wash and disinfect their hands. Strictly following your doctor’s recommendations for preventive antibiotics or immunizations is an important measure to effectively prevent infection.
Development and dental health
Premature babies take longer to reach developmental milestones than full-term babies. Parents should pay attention to the baby\’s development, promptly consult with the doctor about the progress, and take appropriate early intervention. In addition, in terms of dental health, premature babies are prone to enamel hypoplasia and black teeth. Keeping your teeth clean and checking your dental health regularly is the key to preventing dental problems.
Summary
Over time, premature babies grow and adapt to the demands of their environment. As parents, we can provide better care and attention to premature infants by focusing on aspects such as their respiratory and lung development, feeding and nutrition, infection prevention and control, and developmental and dental health. It can effectively help premature babies grow into healthy and happy babies and eliminate negative effects.
