Caring for Premature Babies: A Guide for Parents

Every year, around 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide — a number that continues to grow. But not all preemies face the same challenges. While some grow and thrive, others may face serious complications or even life-threatening conditions. Much of this depends on how early the baby is born.

Those born between 23 and 32 weeks of pregnancy are the most vulnerable and require the most medical care. Premature birth can lead to several complications, including breathing difficulties, low blood sugar, anemia, jaundice, infections, and even brain or intestinal damage.

Premature babies need extra help adapting to life outside the womb. Their bodies and organs are still developing, which makes them highly sensitive to light, noise, and handling. That’s why Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are designed with specific care protocols known as Developmental Care, focused on protecting the baby’s fragile environment and including parents in every step.

In modern NICUs, the goal is to recreate a peaceful, womb-like atmosphere that supports stability and development:

• Reducing noise: Covers are placed over incubators to block sound and promote rest.
• Soft lighting: Natural, indirect light is used whenever possible, along with eye protection when needed.
• Gentle touch: Nurses group medical procedures to avoid constant handling, respecting the baby’s sleep cycles.
• Comfortable positioning: Babies are placed in special “nests” that mimic the fetal position, which helps them feel secure and supports neuromotor development.

As pediatric specialists note, these small environmental adjustments can make a major difference in long-term health outcomes — improving growth, sleep, and brain development.

The care journey doesn’t end at the hospital. Studies show that early discharge with home care support can reduce infection risk, strengthen family bonds, encourage breastfeeding, and increase weight gain. However, during the first two years, premature babies still need close medical follow-up and specific daily care.

Basic home-care recommendations

• Wash hands carefully before touching the baby.
• Maintain clean clothes and bedding, but avoid excessive use of antiseptics.
• Keep room temperature between 70°F and 75°F (21°C–24°C) and body temperature around 98°F (36.5°C–37°C).
• Breast milk remains the best nutrition—it boosts the immune system and supports brain development.
• Feedings should be more frequent, as preemies need extra calories to grow.
• Always place the baby on their back to sleep, in a safe, flat crib.
• Limit visitors during the first few weeks, and avoid crowds when going out.

Even with these precautions, gentle sensory stimulation—such as talking softly, playing calm music, or skin-to-skin contact—helps stimulate brain development and emotional connection.

Premature birth remains one of the leading causes of infant mortality worldwide, but medical research is transforming the outlook. Europe’s first artificial placenta project and new advances in neonatal therapies aim to help extremely premature infants survive and develop more fully.

Despite these breakthroughs, experts agree that the most powerful tool is still human connection—the active involvement of parents and caregivers through developmental care.

“A parent’s touch, voice, and presence can be as healing as any medical treatment,” says Dr. Ana López, a neonatologist specializing in preterm infant care. “When families are empowered to participate, outcomes improve across the board.”

For Latino families in particular—where community and family ties are central—parental engagement and emotional support can be life-changing for both baby and parents.

While technology continues to advance, the heart of neonatal care remains the same: a nurturing environment, dedicated healthcare teams, and the loving presence of family. Together, these elements can give premature babies the best possible start in life.