Preemie Quilts

From LoveToKnow Baby

Preemie quilts will keep your premature baby safe and warm.

Keep your preemie snug and comfy.

Baby Gifts

Often, premature babies arrive too soon and quite unexpectedly. Baby showers may not have been given yet, and new moms and dads are simply overwhelmed at the early arrival of their newborn. Well-meaning relatives and friends usually rise to the occasion by showering the new family with all sorts of baby gifts. Essential items, such as a baby bed, changing table, rocker, and other nursery accessories are easy to find, but what about the hard-to-find and hard-to-fit preemie items? Preemie clothes can be difficult to find, but there are other preemie essentials to consider as well, like preemie quilts.

Safety Issues

Why won't any baby quilt or blanket do? Just as you wouldn't put clothes that are too large on your tiny baby, you want to purchase accessories that surround your baby in comfort. There are definite safety issues to consider when purchasing any type of clothing or bedding for your preemie.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, often referred to as SIDS, is still a very real threat to infants, and while researchers have narrowed down some of the probable causes of SIDS, parents need to be vigilant. Premature babies are particularly at risk, so it is imperative that you pay close attention to how you place your baby to sleep (always on her back!), and what you surround your baby with.

Many parents choose to simply dress their babies appropriately, eliminating the need for any type of loose bedding. Some parents also prefer sleep sacks, which keep baby warm without the risk of suffocation. Why, then, would you need preemie quilts?

Preemie Quilts

When you hold your baby in your arms, a quilt that is just right for her will keep her safe and warm. You won't have excess material to battle as you tuck your baby in close and gaze down on her small face. You can also use a quilt to lay your baby upon as she learns to move more of her body. In fact, once you bring your baby home from the hospital, it's important that your baby have periods of time each day to exercise by stretching out on her tummy and her back. This will help her strengthen the muscles in her back, neck, arms, and legs. Many hospitals welcome quilts as gifts as well, and nurses commonly place these over incubators to protect babies' eyes from the bright lights.

When searching for a quilt small enough to be suitable for a preemie, look for the following:

Size: Make the quilt approximately 24 inches square or smaller.
Fabric: Pre-washed, 100 percent cotton works best.
Thread: Use 100 percent cotton thread. Don't use metallic or other irritating threads.
Batting: A cotton or cotton/polyester blend should be fine.
Quilting method: Quilts can be handmade or machine sewn, but be sure there is plenty of sturdy stitching. This quilt will need to withstand lots of laundry days!
Embellishments: Although you might be tempted to add lots of appliqués and other embellishments, consider baby's tender skin. Also, do not add any loose strings or ribbons that could pose a strangulation hazard.