Buyer's Guide

Thank you for taking the time to visit us here at Preemie Store. We have been selling preemie clothes since 1993 and understand the whirlwind that the unexpected delivery of an early baby brings. You have been thrown into a world of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and you probably didn't even know any of it even existed before your sweet little one decided to appear early. We know you have so many questions and we are hoping that you can find some answers here. Some of those questions could be, "What clothes can a preemie baby wear?" or "What can I do to Help?" These are excellent questions! Our goal is to help break down some of the options we offer parents, relatives, and friends of preemies that you could consider. We also address more questions on our Blog: "The A-Z of the NICU" where we break down what all those new terms you hear mean. Another post explains the difference between Adjusted Age and Chronological Age. For those who are a friend or family member of preemie parents, here is a blog post that might help with some great suggestions: How can I help?

We want you to know that we are here to help, if you have any questions email us at customercare@preemie.com.

So, where should you start?

Our number one suggestions for you is our NICU Journal:

This unique journal published by the Preemie Store is an excellent idea because it gives parents a place to write down all those new things that Doctors, nurses, and other caregivers are throwing at them. There will be new terms, procedures, milestones, and so much more that parents will want to capture for future reference.

Secondly, a Gift Certificate is a perfect idea when looking for a gift for new parents. A gift certificate allows parents to shop when given approval for clothing and know the baby's size. A gift certificate will also give parents something to look forward to during the long days in the NICU.

Third, we are getting to the clothing, my favorite part! We will start with sizing; we break them into two preemie sizes: Micro (1-3lbs) and Preemie (3-6lbs) plus some Newborn (5-8lbs). We carry one brand, Perfectly Preemie, that offers an in-between size called Teeny (2-4lbs). This size can be helpful if your little one falls in that middleweight category. At these tiny sizes, a pound or two can make a big difference in the fit. So if your shopping for a 2lb baby, the 2-4lb size will be just right while allowing for growth.

NICU-friendly styles are items that are designed especially with the medical needs of preemies. We have added these filters to help you find the best NICU-Friendly clothing, open shoulders, easy front access, and footless. I find the open shoulder option to be the most requested. I feel that you can't go wrong by opting for the NICU-friendly style. They will help parents with easy dressing their teeny preemie. 

Here some great examples of NICU-Friendly garments.

This little shirt from Itty Bitty Baby Clothing Co. works great for a beginning option. We have them in many different prints, and they are available in both P2 (1-3lbs) and P3 (3-5lbs).

These great Nic-Suits from Perfectly preemie are two pieces that easily velcro around a baby. They offer this style in a reversible option, so you get two looks in one cute outfit and a single layer. These NICU-friendly bodysuits are available in three sizes: Micro (1-2.5lbs), Teeny (2-4lbs) and Preemie (3-6lbs).

 

Sweet-Tee's from Perfectly Preemie come in both open shoulders and non-open. This way, you choose what one will work best for your little one in or out of the NICU. They also come in three sizes and sets with match cap, and leg warmers.

Recently, Perfectly Preemie released their new line of bamboo fabric NICU-Friendly styles that are made from the softest bamboo, with a flannel like interior. They have soft velcro closures using the new sleek and thin velcro. There are three NICU-Friendly designs, a sleeper and accessories in this collection. The sizes range from Micro (1-3lbs), Teeny (2-4lbs) , Preemie (3-6lbs) and Take-me-Home (5-8lbs). The little gown is a great starter style for the newest little preemie.

A baby's body temperature is monitored closely in the NICU, and sleeve length may be significant. Look for filtering options on the left side of the product categories; they include sleeve length, colors, gender, style, fabric content, and closure types. 

 

I wouldn't want to miss mentioning the cute little NICU friendly dresses we have for those sweet preemie girls. They also offer the same open shoulders and ease of dressing for the parents. They are available in both the Micro & Preemie sizes. 

 

From Perfectly Preemie we have the reversible IV-Dress that gives you two looks in one cute dress.

To help you find all the NICU-Friendly items click here.

Many times parents are unsure of what a specific hospital's requirements might be regarding preemie clothing. We suggest you first check with them, but as this customer so wonderfully shared:

"A while back, I ordered many items from you for my 2lb 8.6oz 29-week old grandson. I wasn't sure the hospital allowed clothing from the outside. You called me, and I had a nice conversation with you about the possibility of sending them back. In the end, the NCU nurses at UVM hospital loved all of the clothes and were told by the daughter-in-law and son that they should get all the babies those outfits. Thank you for what you do. Brenda"

This list would not be complete without me suggesting little caps, mittens, and socks. Maybe I should have put them up below the gift-certificates because many times, preemies are allowed to wear a hat before clothing! I have a soft spot for clothes! We have many different caps from ones with cute sayings on them like "Rock Star," "Diva," "Heartbreaker", and many more, as well as in solid colors. 

Perfectly Preemie makes our number one selling preemie socks. Everyone who tries them LOVES them! They are available in 3 different 3pk options: white, blue/gray/white & pink/gray white. Enjoy a 20% off discount for purchasing multiple packages of these great little socks.

I hope this little guide will help you in your selection process, we are offering you a discount code for 10% off your order. Please use BUY10 at checkout.

Thank you and Happy Shopping,

 

Cressie & Melissa