A guide to buying hospital safe premature baby clothes

Buying clothes for a newborn baby is one of the joys of being an expectant mother – but what if your baby is premature and is too small for the normal size baby clothes found in shops and on line sites?

Several mothers of early born babies have realised the significance of the situation and have now designed and manufactured ranges of specialist premature baby clothes.

Hospital baby clothes for use in the NICU and SCBU departments have special requirements. They must be designed to allow easy access for the tubes, wires, sensors and probes that may be connected to the baby whilst being cared for in the specialist units. Even so they must still fit the baby well and be designed to not just be functional but to look good too! After all new parents always want the newest addition to their family to look cute and well cared for. By making the correct choice in hospital prem baby clothing the confidence of the concerned parents that the premature baby will be soon be at home the same as a normal healthy full term baby is raised. The extra confidence this affords to the parents; and possibly extending to the staff is such a great benefit for managing the stress and concerns of all involved that the benefits can’t be lightly discounted. For the more calm and happier all the adults involved are then the better it is for everyone’s health, including the babies.

Whilst searching for a supplier of suitable premature baby clothes there are several features that can assist the hospital staff in their medical care of the baby. As various pieces of equipment may be attached to the baby for monitoring purposes, or the bay may require an X-ray or scan carried out it is important that the baby can be dressed or undressed with as little disturbance as possible.

NICU baby clothes and SCBU baby clothes should be designed in such a way that Babygro’s open out completely flat and have fastenings on each side. Thus allowing quick and easy access to staff and medical devices with the minimum disturbance to the baby. NICU/SCBU Babygro’s should be of a ‘footless’ design to enable the attachment and removal of monitoring devices to the foot of a baby. If required a premature baby bootie or sock can be used over a foot that does not have a monitor attached, alternatively a slightly larger bootie or sock can be used over the foot with the monitor sensors. This will allow staff to check and adjust any sensors attached to the baby’s feet without having to disturb them as much as a normal Babygro design might cause.

 

If the baby is in the SCBU and has a condition that might lead to X-rays and scans to check on aspects of the baby’s condition then the SCBU baby clothes can benefit from the use of plastic fasteners rather than the more tradition metal fasteners. The plastic fasteners can enable the baby to be X-rayed or scanned without the need to remove their clothing.

All premature baby clothes and especially NICU and SCBU baby clothes should be designed and made of the softest and least abrasive fabrics possible. The skin of such early born baby’s is so delicate that it can be far more easily damaged than that of a full term baby. All fastenings should be adequately protected from being able to come in to contact directly with the skin; firstly to prevent possible damage being caused through abrasion and secondly in order to prevent any possible allergic metal reaction.

All NICU and SCBU premature baby clothes should be made of materials that do not allow any build up of electrostatic charge. Electrostatic discharge – commonly referred to as ESD can cause discomfort and other issues for the baby, as well as to staff. What feels like a ‘static’ shock that makes an adult jump back could be far more severe to a poorly premature baby that has either a heart or breathing condition.

ESD can also damage medical probes and the monitors they are connected to, although they are designed to be protected from such occurrences the conditions in which the devices are used and maintained can cause the monitoring devices to give inaccurate and spurious readings especially if the ambient humidity of the environment is very low. Although hospitals may try to maintain a comfortable humidity level that is healthy and comfortable for the patients, if the humidity is too high the baby’s will be very uncomfortable – although free of ESD concerns! If the humidity is too low and environment dry then the baby can then be affected by static build up.

All premature baby clothes should be designed to take in to account all of the above concerns as well as ‘looking good’ and the baby looking ‘cute’ it is paramount that the clothes they wear at such a crucial stage in their care and development is the best available for comfort, safety and practical for use in a hospital environment.

See our full range of hospital safe premature baby clothes in our online premature baby store, where you money buys you more. http://www.prem2pram.co.uk

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/babies-articles/a-guide-to-buying-hospital-safe-premature-baby-clothes-2361697.html

About the Author

Sue Edmondson runs Prem2Pram the online premature baby store http://www.prem2pram.co.uk as a mother herself of two premature babies she understands the difficulties parents face when their baby arrives early.

A Guide to the NICU

What is NICU?

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a specialist area designed to look after and treat premature and ill babies. The NICU is equipped to deal with premature babies. The NICU staff are specially trained to care and treat premature babies.

Premature babies are generally moved to the NICU once they are stabilised, they may be taken up in a Radiant Heater.

What to Expect in the NICU?

Once your baby has been taken up to the NICU, the staff will carry out tests and an examination. At the time parents and family are often not allowed in there, so the staff can carry out their work quickly and easily, this can take up to 90 minutes. You will be kept informed about what is happing to your baby and if any procedures are required they will discuss that will you.

While they are away from you the following tests and procedures will be taking place:

• The NICU staff will examine their breathing and see how much oxygen they are getting. If they are having trouble breathing they may x-ray their chest to find the reason.
• They will take blood samples to check glucose, calcium, and bilirubin levels.
• They will start an Intravenous Line (IV) to ensure your baby has fluids constantly.
• General newborn routines will take place including a vitamin K injection to ensure there are no bleeding problems.
• Antibiotics will be administered to their eyes to prevent infection.

Once you get into the NICU your baby maybe attached to monitors do not be alarmed they are there to help your baby. There are a lot of machines in the NICU, read our guide to the NICU Equipment.

Who will be looking after my Baby?

There are a lot of people that will be looking after your premature baby and supporting you in the NICU:

Neonatal Nurse – They have been specially trained to look after ill and premature babies. You will see different nurses as they change shift. A Charge Nurse is the nurse in charge of the shift. A Primary Nurse will be assigned to your baby; you will see both your Primary Nurse and the Charge Nurse.

Neonatal nurse practitioners – These are registered nurses who have had extra training and an advanced education. They will also have years of experience in the NICU.

Neonatologist – This is a doctor that has had 3 years extra training and specialises in looking after newborn babies. You will see the Neonatologist every day.

Your baby may need to see a specialist; there are many different specialists. Some of them you may see are:

Paediatric Surgeon – Specialises in children’s surgery

Paediatric Cardiologist – Specialises in heart problems

Paediatric Cardiac surgeon – Specialises in heart surgery

Paediatric Pulmonologist – Specialise in the lungs

Paediatric Nephrologist – Specialise in the kidneys

Other staff you may meet can include:

Respiratory Therapists – This person will help set up and administer respiratory treatments

Developmental Specialists – They will work with both the NICU staff and the parents at home. They are specialists in infant development and will advise on how to improve feeding skills and how to move your baby.

Neonatal Nutritionists – They will ensure you baby has all the nutrients they need

Neonatal Pharmacist – They will help manage your baby’s medication

Social Worker – They will help you cope with the stress of having a premature baby and can give advice in a number of areas.

NICU Clark – The NICU Clerk sits near the entrance to NICU and monitors who comes in and out.

Questions to Ask the Neonatal staff

The staff of the NICU is there to help and advise you as well as looking after your baby, feel free to ask them any questions. Make a note as they come to you so you don’t forget.

Some questions you may want to ask are –

• What is specifically wrong with my baby? Ask them to explain so you can understand what’s happening.
• How will they be treated?
• What is involved with their care?
• How long will they be in the NICU for?
• What medication do they have to take and when?
• How is my baby being fed?
• How long can I stay with my baby?
• Will I be able to breastfeed my baby?
• Will someone help me with breastfeeding?
• Will I be able to bottle feed my baby?
• What tests does my baby have to have?
• What care will I have to administer when we go home?
• Will I be given advice before I leave?
• Will someone becoming to my home to help?
• Can I hold my baby?
• What can I do?

Bonding With Your Baby in the NICU

Bonding with your newborn baby is really important and especially so with a premature baby. Don’t be scared by all the machines and wires you can still bond with your child.

• As a parent you are generally allowed in the NICU 24 hours a day, your presence and voice will help with the bonding.
• If you are able to hold your baby, then try skin to skin with them. Place your baby under your top on to your skin. You may need to undo their sleepsuit if they are wearing one so your skin is touching. Keep them covered so they stay warm.
• If it’s possible then try breastfeeding or express and bottle feed them.
• If you cannot hold them in your arms, then you may be able to stroke them or hold their hand.

A Guide to NICU Equipment

 

Image by wellcome images via Flickr

 

Having a premature baby can be a scary time and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can be even scarier. It’s full of machines and your baby maybe attached to monitors that you know nothing about.

I’ve put together a guide to the equipment you may find in the NICU, hopefully this will answer any questions you may have and make the place a little less scary.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

The NICU is specially equipped to take care of premature and ill babies. Your baby’s care and needs will be met here. NICU Staff have been specially trained to look after and treat premature babies.

Radiant Warmer

A Radiant Warmer is a unit, which has a mattress inside for your baby to lie on and heater overhead. Newborn babies need help to regulate their body temperature, this is even more important for a preemie baby. The Radiant Warmer keeps your baby warm and also allows the NICU Staff to access them with ease to monitor and provide medical care. A premature baby is often taken to the NICU in a Radiant Warmer, later they may be transferred into an incubator.

Incubator

Once your baby is stable they will be moved to an incubator, which is a large Plexiglass box with a mattress inside, these are sometimes called an Isolette.  An Isolette helps your baby maintain their body temperature. Some Radiant Warmers have a lid that can be closed to turn the warmer into an incubator.

Pulse Oximeter

A Pulse Oximeter is used to measure the amount of oxygen in the baby’s blood. A small probe is placed on a baby’s wrist, finger or foot and held in place with a bandage. The readings from the Pulse Oximeter are displayed on a monitor often along with their respiratory rate, oxygen intake and heart rate. The probe is often placed on the foot of a premature baby; this may be rotated throughout the day to ensure the probe does not damage the baby’s delicate skin.

Transcutaneous Monitor

A Transcutaneous Monitor measures the amount of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in the baby’s blood. An electrode is placed on the baby’s skin to measure this.

Heart Monitor

A Heart Monitor is used to monitor the baby’s heart rate. A sensor is attached to your baby’s chest and their heart rate is displayed on a monitor, often with a reading from the Pulse Oximeter. If the baby’s heart rate goes up or down too much an alarm will sound to notify the NICU staff.

Monitor Screen

The Monitor Screen is used to display readings from any monitor your baby is attached to. This includes Oxygen Saturation, heart rate and respiratory rate. If any level drops too low or go too high an alarm will sound and the NICU staff will make any adjustments they need or provide any medical care required.

Computer

Any medical treatment or care you baby receives in the NICU is recorded in their computerised medical record. You will often find a computer in the NICU for the staff to update these records.

Ventilator

A Ventilator is used to help premature babies with immature lungs breath. The Ventilator helps to regulate the mixture of oxygen, as well as the rate and pressure. A tube called an endotracheal tube is placed in the windpipe allowing the Ventilator to push oxygen into the lungs. Ventilators are programmed to fit each baby’s need; some babies need more help than others. You will find two pieces of equipment attached to the Ventilator; these are the Nitric Oxide Delivery Unit and the High Frequency Oscillator.

Nitric Oxide Delivery Unit

The Nitric Oxide Delivery Unit delivers nitric oxide to the blood vessels around the lungs. This relaxes them and stops them from being damaged.

High-Frequency Oscillator

The High -Frequency Oscillator helps to keep your baby’s lungs open. It shakes the air into the lungs in measured amounts, which stops any damage to the lung tissue.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)

The Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is used when a premature baby needs some help breathing. This is often used after a baby has come off the Ventilator but will also be used if the baby needs extra help with their breathing. The CPAP provides a pressurized flow of oxygen rich air to the baby’s lungs; it helps keeps their lungs open and keeps their oxygen level stable. Two small tubes are placed into or just under the baby’s nostrils. The pressure can come from either a bubble CPAP which is a device that uses a column of water or from a ventilator.

Oxyhood

An Oxyhood is a plastic hood that is placed over a premature babies head, oxygen rich air is released. This is used for babies who can breathe unaided but need extra oxygen.

Nasal Cannula

A Nasal Cannula is used to blow oxygen rich air into the baby’s lungs. Two small plastic tubes are placed into the baby’s nostrils. This is another method for babies who can breathe unaided but may need extra oxygen.

Intravenous Line (IV)

An Intravenous Line is a very fine line that is used to deliver medication and sometimes food to a premature baby. The line is entered in to vein this can be in the arm, leg, scalp or umbilical cord. The line is attached to a monitor that ensures the right amount of food or medication is being given to the baby.

Feeding Tube

A Feeding Tube is used when a premature baby cannot be fed by either breast or bottle-feeding yet, often because they have difficulty sucking or coordinating their sucking and breathing at the same time. A small tube is passed down the nose or mouth through to the stomach so the liquid can be feed directly into it.

Prem2Pram have a wide selection of premature baby clothes specifically designed to be worn by babies in the NICU.