PJs for Preemies
From LoveToKnow Baby
Finding PJs for preemies can be a bit of a challenge, as these tiny babies don't normally fit the size proportions of mainstream manufacturers. Fortunately, there are more options than most preemie parents realize – even at your local mall.
What to Look for in Hospital Sleepwear
If your premature baby has been in the hospital for quite some time, chances are he/she hasn't been able to wear the sweet little sleepers found on most newborns. Wires and medical attachments get in the way of most infant apparel, leaving baby in the buff for longer than most new parents would like. For this reason, many moms of preemies can't wait to go shopping once they get the green light from nurses. However, this excitement can be quickly extinguished if clothes aren't up to hospital requirements, or if your preemie is coming home, aren't proportionate to your baby's sizing.
If your baby will still be in the hospital while wearing the PJs you purchase, you will want to keep a few things in mind. First, go for those with a lot of side snaps or wide enough openings for any cords to fit through. Nurses will want to be able to work around any clothing, so baby can be cozy, parents will have great photo ops, and most importantly, your baby's care can be properly maintained.
PJ sets that come with hats are also ideal, since hospital staff will often encourage head warmth when working to regulate your baby's body temperature. Since preemies often have heads that have grown slightly ahead of their bodies, these hats can usually be worn even long before the matching outfit, giving you your money's worth.
Lastly, look for pajamas that have tags or a piece of fabric that isn't heavily patterned, so you can label all clothing with your child's name. Some hospitals will bag soiled linens so you can take them home and wash them; however, sometimes your personal baby items still get caught in the huge piles of hospital laundry. If this happens, the staff will want to get your clothes returned to you as soon as possible, and proper labeling can help with this. If you don't want to ruin exceptionally cute outfits with permanent marker, don't bring them to the hospital – nurses will usually label anything that isn't already labeled.
PJs for Preemies at Home
Homecoming day has at last arrived, and you're scrambling to purchase last minute essentials. PJs often make this list. When shopping for your baby's first at home sleepwear, look for those that are light in fabric. Your doctor will tell you babies that get too warm overnight can be at an increased risk of SIDS. Shop for footed jammies made out of breathable cotton, and pair this with a light blanket and properly set thermostat to keep your little one cozy and safe.
Oftentimes, homecoming clothing can be frustrating to shop for because it won't fit a premature infant. The hat is too small, the pajamas are too long – these are common complaints for parents of early arrivals. If your preemie was small for gestational age, the challenge becomes even greater.
Gymboree’s smallest size ("up to 7 pounds") often fits preemies well, and this is especially true with their sleepers. They have a website with regular sales and can also be found in many local malls.
Wal-Mart is another retail winner when it comes to PJs for preemies. While their website is somewhat limited, their in-store selection has proven to be one of the best around. No matter where you live, you'll find preemie onesies and sleepers in the tiniest of sizes. Even better, Wal-Mart thrives off of seasonal business, so you can always find cute PJs for preemies to fit the theme of the latest holiday.
If your baby doesn't fit into preemie clothing, don't despair. He or she will catch up and fit any retailer's pajamas before you know it. Until then, there are a few online markets that specialize in preemie apparel, including sleepwear:
- Preemie-Yums carries a strong selection of preemie duds, including NICU approved sleepers.
- Baby Mine has a small selection of preemie pajamas.
- Preemies R Us is no relation to the popular Babies R Us but carries a strong line of preemie essentials.
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This page has been accessed 702 times. This page was last modified 20:36, 28 January 2009.
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