Premature babies
If you have a premature baby or your baby had a low birth weight, you might have questions about how to care for them and sleep them safely. Use this guide to help you.
Tell me a bit about you
I’m a surgical ward sister, and I really love my job. My knowledge from this has partly helped me as I’ve become a mother, but at the same time has made me a bit more anxious and led me to overthink things.
George was born in December, five weeks earlier than his due date in January. A tiny baby at 4.3 pounds, he was our little Christmas miracle! He stayed in neonatal intensive care (NICU) for a few days before we took him home on Boxing Day. We redid Christmas day shortly after, which was such a special day. When I try and recall that time in my life, it’s all a bit of a daze.
And how did you feel when you took George home?
After a whirlwind journey it was magical to finally have him at home with us, although quite scary and daunting at first, with the added anxiety of him being premature and we had only just moved house, so there was a lot going on!
The transition from NICU to home was the most difficult part. Babies are looked after so differently in the hospital compared to when you come home. George was wrapped up in hats and multiple blankets in NICU, it felt so different getting him home and placing him in a clear cot. The Lullaby Trust was so helpful at this point.
What guidance did you find most helpful?
I used The Lullaby Trust’s website and I also follow them on Instagram. The guidance about what to dress George in for different weather was really helpful. He was born in winter and seemed to feel cold all the time, given how small he was.
I found it useful to learn about the room temperature guidance. I also found the webpage about premature and low-birth weight babies really reassuring. George was really tiny and I found it so helpful to read specific information about how to keep him safe. I also sent the guidance to others, it’s so much easier having the information coming from someone like The Lullaby Trust, rather than from us.
Can you remember when you first heard about SIDS? How did you feel?
I was worried about SIDS, particularly when the hospital told me that George was at higher risk because he was premature. It really played on my mind. I found it hard to sleep at first and found myself staying up, watching him to check he was breathing. My partner and I both work shifts so are used to a lack of sleep, but we did find the sleep deprivation very difficult. Josh and I managed to work it out so he would look after George in the evening until midnight whilst I slept. Then I would wake up to do a feed at midnight whilst Josh slept.
As soon as George started gaining weight I began to worry a bit less.
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If I could talk to myself back when I was barely sleeping, I’d tell myself to put more trust in others and accept support. If I’d done that, I would’ve been able to rest more, which is important for my wellbeing, but also means I am in a better position to look after George.
Leah
Why did you choose to share your story today?
I found it so helpful reading other parent’s stories that The Lullaby Trust shared. I felt I could relate to them. It was powerful reading about the real people behind the statistics.
Discover more
Cold weather
How to keep your baby safe and warm when the weather gets cold in winter, while avoiding overheating.
Expectant parents
Whether you plan to room share, co-sleep, or don’t have a clue, this page will help you create a safer sleep environment from the moment you bring your baby home.
Leanne’s story
Leanne lives in Barnsley, with her husband Nick, seven month old Ralph, and her dog Wendy. She has used The Lullaby Trust guidance to sleep Ralph more safely.
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