Health Tip: Taking Care of Your Preemie
December 8, 2009, 10:23 AM ET
• 1 min read
Dec. 9 -- (HealthDay News) -- Any new parent is concerned about caring for the newborn baby. Premature babies -- often called preemies -- usually require even more care and attention.
The Nemours Foundation offers these guidelines for the new parents of preemies:
Limit your preemie's exposure to potential infections by keeping the baby home for several weeks, except for doctor appointments.Schedule doctor appointments when the office is likely to be less busy. Or ask to wait in a more private room.Don't allow too many visitors to see your preemie, and don't let anyone visit who is sick. Ask all visitors to wash their hands before touching the baby.Allow your baby plenty of sleep -- always on the back.Make sure to feed your preemie at least every four hours -- generally eight to 10 feedings per day.