My friend is fostering a one week old preemie, any advice??

Abinormal · December 2011

Ok, ladies, I'm hoping that y'all will have some advice for me. My friend received a 5 lbs one week old, about 2 hours ago. She was only told two days ago that she'd be getting the baby (she's already fostering his three older siblings) and she's pretty clueless right now, lol! Unfortunately, keeping him out of public places is going to be pretty tough for her because of her older children, but I've already warned her to keep people away as much as possible. Also, she's obviously not breastfeeding, so what formula would you say is best for a preemie? I know he shouldn't have powdered formula, right? Also, I'd like to get her some clothes for the new baby. Where can I find cute preemie boy clothes?

kck329 · December 2011

I think we need more information to be able to really help you. How early was the baby? Any complications? How long was the NICU stay? The NICU should have sent him home with information about feeds-what type, how often, how many calories, etc. If she doesn't have his discharge papers, she should ask for those-it will summarize the NICU stay.

As far as clothes go, I would get regular newborn size clothes if the baby is already 5 lbs. The preemie clothes won't fit for more than a week or two.

COmommy · December 2011

He's totally fine to have powdered formula. We use the Up and Up Brand (Target) Sensitive (It's identical to Similac.) According to my pediatrician, Similac is best since it has the prebiotics and it has also shown to have a better immune response with vaccinations. The previous poster is correct, she needs to get the NICU discharge papers, which will detail his feedings and check with the pediatrician about formulas/feeding schedule. My preemie came home at 5 lbs 5 oz and was in newborn size for about a month. I would not buy any preemie size clothes, instead buy newborn and 0-3.

Irishsapphire · December 2011

My son came home when he was 6lbs. We mainly used the Similac Neosure Ready to Feed 32 oz that we got at Babies R' Us for the first couple of weeks. And then we switched to the Similac Neosure powder after the first month home. We also got the Similac Neosure powder at the Safeway--we had to order it in because the Safeway normally did not carry Neosure.

It is better to get newborn clothes for the baby. They sleep a lot, and they need to be swaddled. JC Penney's is having a good sale on Carter's baby clothes (Carter's newborn clothes). Gerber runs a little smaller-so newborn pack of onesies is practical--Target has good prices on baby clothes.

SushiNoMore · December 2011

The others had good advice about the formula, but I have one other suggestion on the clothes: Gap has a line called "First Essentials" (I think that's what it's called). The smallest size the have is "less than 7 lbs." I found those onesies to be a good in-between size that was somewhere between preemie and newborn sizes (you may have to order them online, though). They're definitely cute. If you want to get some sort of Christmas outfit that will basically be worn once, you can probably go with preemie size (although the Carter's preemie size is REALLY small - BRU brand is much bigger). Beyond that, though, I agree with the others - newborn size is better.

How exciting for your friend! She sure is going to have a fun Christmas!

Mrs. Alice · December 2011

kck329:

I think we need more information to be able to really help you. How early was the baby? Any complications? How long was the NICU stay? The NICU should have sent him home with information about feeds-what type, how often, how many calories, etc. If she doesn't have his discharge papers, she should ask for those-it will summarize the NICU stay.

As far as clothes go, I would get regular newborn size clothes if the baby is already 5 lbs. The preemie clothes won't fit for more than a week or two.

This. My boys were just over 5 lbs at discharge and went to NB size at home. I'm going to assume that he was a late term preemie if he's already discharged and is only 1 week old. Powdered formula is fine too.

Abinormal · December 2011

Thank you for the information. I'm don't have a lot of details about the baby, since I've only been texting with her as of right now. Tomorrow, I plan on going over to her house to see the baby and help however I can and I'm sure she'll share whatever information that she has with me. She called me with some questions, because her youngest biological child is 5 years old and she breastfed all of her kids so she's nervous about formula feeding. My daughter was formula fed due to lack of milk production, so I do have some knowledge in that field. I'm looking forward to seeing the baby tomorrow. I don't think he was born super early, he was only in the NICU for a week. I do know he was born addicted to heroin, which may also contribute to his small size. I did learn today that he's actually just under 5 lbs. I think I may pick up a 1 or 2 preemie sleepers and a couple newborn outfits.

Happy2bNappy · December 2011

I would buy one or two preemie outfits, with DS I found that the newborns were a bit too big for him even past five lbs and his nurse reminded me that you do not want his clothes to be too loose especially for sleep.

If you shop at Walmart they have preemie sizes too.

opallover · December 2011

Everyone has such great ideas but i wanted to suggest that she use a moby wrap if she is going to need to take him outside. RSV season is dangerous for preemies.

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My friend is fostering a one week old preemie, any advice??

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