Are Preemie clothes and Newborn clothes the same?
We often hear people say to wait to purchase Preemie clothes. "The baby will grow quickly and only wear them for a short period of time." I believe preemie clothes are so much more than that!
Preemie clothes are specially designed for infants who are born prematurely, before 37 weeks of pregnancy. These tiny babies have different needs than full-term newborns, and so preemie clothing is designed to accommodate their smaller size and delicate skin.
Preemie clothes are typically sized for infants weighing between 1 and 5 pounds and up to 17 inches in length. These sizes are smaller than those of regular newborn clothing, which is designed for babies who are born at or after 37 weeks of pregnancy and typically weigh between 5 and 8 pounds. It's important to note that preemie clothes are not the same as newborn clothes. Preemie clothes are made to fit smaller babies and have smaller snaps, velcro, and are made specifically to fit their unique needs.
When shopping for preemie clothes, it's important to pay attention to the size and weight range of the clothing to ensure that it will fit your baby. We offer multiples sizes from Micro (1-3lbs), Teeny (2-4lbs), Preemie (3-6lbs) and Newborn (5-8lbs). Many hospitals and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have preemie clothing available for families to use during their baby's stay; but, it is therapeutic for parents to be able to do something as simple as purchase clothing to have some feelings of normalcy.
One thing to consider when buying preemie clothes is the ease of changing diapers, since premature babies often need to be changed frequently, so clothes with velcro and snaps are more convenient for this purpose. Also, Preemie clothes are often made with soft and breathable fabrics, such as cotton and bamboo, to keep the baby comfortable and prevent overheating. It is also important to consider if your preemie has medical equipment that will need to be dressed around. When this is needed, we recommend looking for NICU-Friendly clothing. These typically have open shoulders, easy front access and often are open at the bottom.
When it comes to fabrics, preemie clothes are often made with soft and breathable fabrics, such as cotton and bamboo, to keep the baby comfortable and prevent overheating. Avoid clothes with rough or scratchy fabrics, which can irritate the baby's delicate skin.
It's also important to consider the fit of preemie clothes, as a proper fit can help to prevent overheating and ensure that the baby is comfortable. Many preemie clothes are designed with a snug fit to keep the baby warm, but it's still important to make sure that the clothes are not too tight or restrictive. This is why we offer multiple sizes for parents to be able to find the right size.
Another important thing to consider is how often you'll need to change your preemie's clothes. Since premature babies are more prone to infections and other health issues, it's important to have a good supply of preemie clothes on hand. It's also helpful to have a few extra outfits on hand in case of accidents or unexpected messes.
One other important thing to consider is the ability for new parents to feel apart of their premature babies care. Being able to purchase, launder, and dress their new baby are normal activities of new parents. The NICU experience is far from normal, so being able to do something so simple as launder your babies clothing is very welcomed. This will be both beneficial for both the baby and the parents, studies have shown that baby do better when parents are more involved in their care.
It can be challenging for new parents to navigate the world of preemie clothes, that is why we are here. It has been our goal for almost 30 years to provide clothing options for preemie babies from the smallest 1 pounder to when they are beyond the NICU and home with Mom and Dad.
Overall, preemie clothes are an essential part of caring for a premature baby. They are designed to fit the unique needs of premature infants and help to keep them comfortable and protected. By understanding the basics of preemie clothes and the resources available, new parents can feel confident in providing the best care for their premature baby.
