Carrier for a preemie?

[cristeen]

A friend just had her babe at 28 wks. I had recommended the moby to her last time we talked, but im wondering if that is/would still be suitable? Obviously the babe is still in the NICU for at least another month, but i have no idea after that what special needs a preemie may have. She didnt even get her shower, so im going to buy her whatever is recommended, since chances are good she didnt get it ordered and wont have the time now.

[Devaskyla]

I think a wrap would be a great choice for a preemie. And no reason you shouldn't get it now, it would be wonderful for doing kangaroo care. And if your friend's NICU doesn't do kangaroo care, she needs to push them.

[Mrs.Music]

There's no need for a wrap in the NICU. I imagine it'd just get tangle in the wires and such. But I definitely recommend the moby. I got mine for my 27 weeker and it was perfect. She came home at 37 weeks and was barely 5lbs. Not a lot of carriers equipped for that. Wraps are my top choice for preemies. Followed by slings that are meant for the littlest babies. Congrats to your friend, and good luck on her NICU journey. It's a long and tough one, but worth it.

[Quirky]

With a preemie, a wrap is great for skin-to-skin kangaroo care. Good positioning is CRITICAL though as preemies usually have low muscle tone. It's really, really important to keep baby in an upright (NOT cradle) position, tummy to tummy, ensuring that baby is not slumping down with chin to chest. Baby's face should never be covered by the fabric of the carrier.

A ring sling (open tailed, unpadded edges) can also be a great choice for a preemie -- again, avoiding the cradle position and only doing upright, tummy to tummy, to keep chin off chest.