Preemie Clothing Buyer's Guide
Not Sure What Your Preemie Needs? Start Here.
Since 1993, we've helped families find clothing made especially for premature babies. We understand how overwhelming the unexpected arrival of a preemie can be—and how unfamiliar the NICU may feel at first.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, relative or friend, we're here to make one thing a little easier:
Finding clothing that fits your tiny baby and works with their medical needs.
First: What Size Does My Preemie Need?
With preemie clothing, even a pound can make a big difference in fit. We make shopping easier by organizing clothing by your baby's current weight:
Micro — 1–3 lbs
For the tiniest preemies and babies beginning to wear clothing in the NICU.
Teeny — 2–4 lbs
A special Perfectly Preemie size that bridges the gap between Micro and traditional Preemie sizing.
Preemie — 3–6 lbs
Our traditional preemie size for growing NICU babies and babies preparing to go home.
Newborn / Take-Me-Home — 5–8 lbs
For larger preemies, babies transitioning home and those who have outgrown traditional preemie sizing.
Not sure between two sizes? Choosing the larger size usually provides a little room to grow.
What Can My Baby Wear in the NICU?
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"
Once your baby's care team says clothing is okay, look for styles specifically designed to work around medical equipment.
Look for NICU-friendly features:
Open shoulders
Allow clothing to be placed around your baby rather than pulled over their head.
Easy front access
Makes it easier for nurses and parents to reach monitors, leads and medical equipment.
Quick-release closures
Velcro and other easy closures simplify dressing and diaper changes.
Footless designs
Provide easier access to baby's feet and legs for monitoring and medical care.
What Should I Buy First?
A Simple NICU Starter Wardrobe
2–3 NICU-friendly gowns or outfits
Choose styles that open easily and provide medical access.
2–3 hats
Many premature babies can wear hats before they're ready for clothing.
2–3 pairs of tiny socks
Our Perfectly Preemie socks are designed specifically for tiny preemie feet.
Leg warmers or mittens
Easy little additions that provide warmth without making medical access difficult.
A NICU-approved pacifier
If your baby's care team recommends one.
Our Favorite NICU Styles
Now I'd introduce your products.
NICU Gowns
One of the easiest ways to dress a tiny baby in the NICU. Perfectly Preemie NICU Gowns are available in soft cotton and bamboo, with easy openings designed around medical needs.
NIC-Jumpsuits
One of our longtime customer favorites. Quick Velcro closures provide easy access for dressing, diaper changes and medical care.
Available in Teeny, Preemie and Newborn, in Stretch Cotton and Bamboo.
NIC-Suits
Our NIC-Suits wrap around your baby rather than needing to be pulled over their head. They're available in Micro, Teeny and Preemie, with reversible options for two looks in one.
NICU-Friendly Dresses
Because practical NICU clothing can still be adorable. Our NICU-friendly dresses include open shoulders and easy-access features while giving little girls something special to wear.
Don't Forget the Little Things
Hats, Socks, Mittens & Leg Warmers
These little essentials can be especially useful in the NICU—and sometimes a hat is the first piece of clothing a tiny preemie gets to wear.
Mix and match them with a favorite gown or outfit to create a special little NICU wardrobe.
Getting Ready to Go Home?
This deserves its own section because it's a completely different stage.
As your baby grows and needs less medical access, you can begin adding more traditional baby clothing.
Shop our preemie sleepers, footies, bodysuits, outfits and outerwear, with sizes designed to bridge the transition from the NICU to home.
Buying for Someone Else?
Shopping for a Preemie Gift?
If you know baby's current weight, start there. NICU-friendly gowns, hats, socks and accessories make thoughtful gifts that parents can use during their hospital stay.
If you're unsure of baby's size or what the NICU allows, a Preemie Store Gift Card lets the family choose exactly what they need when they're ready.
One More Helpful NICU Essential
The Preemie Journal
There's a lot to remember in the NICU. Our Preemie Journal gives parents a place to record information from doctors and nurses, medical terms, procedures, milestones and precious memories along the way.
It becomes both a practical reference during the NICU stay and a keepsake of baby's journey.
Have More NICU Questions?
The A–Z's of the NICU
Understand some of the unfamiliar terms you'll hear.
Adjusted Age vs. Chronological Age
Learn what these terms mean as your preemie grows.
Someone I Know Had a Preemie—How Can I Help?
Ideas for grandparents, family members and friends.
Still have a question? We're happy to help.
customercare@preemie.com
We're Glad You Found Us ♡
We hope this guide made your first preemie shopping experience a little easier.
Save 10% on your first order with code BUY10
From our family to yours, we're here if you need us.
Cressie & Melissa
Perfectly Preemie / Preemie Store
