A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 46
Your baby and you
possible for your baby.
• If your baby is being fed by a
tube into their tummy, you can
offer them a taste of milk and the
dummy to suck on during the feed.
• Holding your baby during tube
feeds is also useful.
• Ask staff to show you how your
baby is being fed.
Kangaroo Care/Skin to skin or
cuddles
• Kangaroo Care or ‘skin-toskin’ helps babies to grow
- it decreases their heart and
breathing rates and they also
sleep for longer.
• At least one hour a day of ‘skin-toskin’ contact is beneficial.
• If your baby is very unwell, it’s
important to check with medical
staff before offering ‘skin to skin’
or cuddles. Comfy chairs may be
available when you cuddle your
baby.
Nappy changes
• Staff can help you when first
changing a nappy.
Probe changes and temperature
measurements
• You can assist with moving some
of the probes (wires) that monitor
your baby’s vital signs. Nursing
staff will show you how to do this.
• When moving probes on baby’s
feet you may need to take extra
time as your baby’s feet can be
very sensitive.
• Ask the health professionals
looking after your baby to show
you how to measure your baby’s
temperature.
Baths
• Babies don’t require a bath every
day in their first few weeks after
birth.
• Babies prefer to be immersed in
water rather than a sponge bath
however this is not always possible.
• Swaddling/wrapping your baby may
help them to relax in the bath.
• It is important for parents to
bathe their baby. Talk to the
health professionals looking after
your baby so they know what time
suits you.
• Try not to lift the baby’s legs up
too high and some babies prefer
their nappy to be changed when
laying on their side.
• All care giving should be based
on your baby’s responses - if they
become overwhelmed you may
need to pause before continuing.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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