31/10/2025
Caring for a Premature Baby: A Complete Guide for Parents
Did you just become a parent of a premature baby? While you must be excited and happy that your little bundle of joy arrived early, you might have many concerns on your mind. From how to care to what to feed, providing the best possible care can often be a nerve-wracking experience. That’s because premature babies are fragile and require a little extra care.
Are you worried about providing appropriate care to your baby? The experts at MediCiti Hospital, a top-rated maternity hospital in Hyderabad, can offer you quality guidance and ensure optimum peace of mind.
This blog will take you through how to care for premature babies as per the best hospital for pregnancy in Hyderabad. Let’s dive in!
Common Challenges of Caring for Premature Babies
Premature birth is when babies are born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, giving rise to several health challenges. Babies born much before the due date often have a low birth weight. This affects their long-term growth and development. Moreover, there is a risk of developing digestive problems, neurological issues, heart problems, infections, hearing or vision problems, and other complications.
Apart from these, the premature babies may even develop respiratory distress syndrome and apnea. As a result, it becomes difficult for them to breathe independently. Premature babies are also at a high risk of jaundice. Therefore, consulting with the pediatricians at a reliable maternity hospital in Hyderabad becomes essential.
Tips to Care for Premature Babies
Are you still clueless about caring for your little one who arrived a little early? As the best hospital for pregnancy in Hyderabad, MediCiti Hospital recommends these tips for caring for premature babies.
#1 Create a Comfortable and Safe Environment
Premature babies are highly sensitive to temperature changes. Therefore, make sure to keep your child's surroundings clean, quiet, and warm. So, you can consider using soft lighting in your child’s room.
When using a crib, be sure to have a firm mattress. Avoid placing any toys or pillows to minimise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Moreover, keep your baby's room as clean as possible. As their lungs are quite delicate, avoid exposure to any kind of dust, allergens, or smoke.
#2 Closely Monitor Growth and Development
The top maternity hospital in Hyderabad will always advise you to carefully monitor the growth and development of premature babies. For that, you need to keep a track of the weight, head circumference, and length of your child. It is no surprise that premature babies gain weight slowly. However, make sure that the growth is consistent. Book an appointment with the best hospital for pregnancy in Hyderabad for regular checkups and to get an idea of the developmental milestones.
The developmental milestones of premature babies are likely to differ from those of regular babies. Hence, you need to adjust your expectations accordingly. Keep in mind that milestones like sitting, crawling, and smiling will take a little longer than usual. But be sure to provide proper care so your baby can eventually catch up.
#3 Prioritise Proper Feeding
Babies born before 34 weeks tend to struggle with feeding. That is mainly because of their underdeveloped sucking reflexes. No doubt, breastfeeding is ideal. However, if that is not possible, you can speak with your neonatologist about other alternatives.
Feeding small amounts to your little one at frequent intervals is usually suggested. It helps prevent reflux and gas. In some cases, premature babies may even require tube feeding to make it easier for them to swallow. Reach out to your healthcare professional at the best hospital for pregnancy in Hyderabad to discuss the appropriate techniques for your premature baby and recommend the necessary supplements.
#4 Be Mindful of Proper Hygiene
The importance of hygiene and infection control cannot be overstated when caring for your premature baby. Preterm babies often have weaker immune systems. As a result, they are more prone to different infections. So, be sure to wash your hands properly before touching your baby each time.
Consider limiting the number of visitors in your home to reduce the chances of infection. Moreover, the leading maternity hospital in Hyderabad will recommend keeping your baby's surroundings clean. In case anyone in your home is sick, avoid contact with the premature baby and consider using a mask to avoid potential complications or health issues for the little one.
Conclusion
Caring for premature babies doesn’t have to be complicated. Having an idea of the right ways is essential. Therefore, consulting with the experts of the best hospital for pregnancy in Hyderabad is a wise decision. MediCiti Hospital is a leading maternity hospital in Hyderabad known for its excellent quality healthcare services. With a team of dedicated professionals, we are committed to delivering compassionate care for the optimal growth and development of premature babies.