Ruskovilla-Baby in Wool - 2018

Premature babies require special care

Each year, around 5% of Finnish babies are born premature- ly, before the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature babies’ central nervous systems or intestines may not be fully de- veloped. They are also more susceptible to infections and contagious diseases than full-term babies. As far as possible, care for premature babies aims to mimic normal development in the womb. Depending on the situ- ation, the parents may be able to talk to their baby, stroke him or her and/or provide kangaroo care against their own skin. For many, breastfeeding is also successful with a pump. Placing a small baby on a sheepskin to rest promotes the development of the baby’s sense of touch. Sensitive skin re- quires gentle and natural materials around it. You can usually take a premature baby outdoors once he or she weighs around 2.5 kilograms. Such small babies have extremely weak temperature regulation, so extra attention should be paid to keeping them warm. Our silk wool baby cap on the adjacent page is also available in a smaller size for premature babies.

At home with baby 7