Winter Care for Preterm Babies: Tips to Keep Your Little One Warm & Healthy

Preterm babies often struggle with regulating their body temperature. This is due to their underdeveloped bodies, having less body fat (essential for insulation & heat retention), and immature thermoregulatory systems that are not yet capable of maintaining a stable body temperature. It is essential in the winter to maintain your preemie’s body temperature. Here are several ways to keep your baby warm:

Preterm babies are born with underdeveloped organs, including their lungs and immune systems, making them more susceptible to respiratory issues like nasal congestion, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and bronchiolitis. Congestion in preterm infants can be particularly dangerous, as it can lead to feeding difficulties, sleep disturbances, and even more severe complications like apnea or respiratory distress. For preterm infants, managing nasal congestion requires extra care and attention. Here are some safe and effective strategies:

Use a Humidifier: A cool-mist humidifier can help loosen mucus and make breathing easier. Ensure it’s cleaned regularly to prevent mold growth, and that you use distilled water because it has less harmful contaminants.²
Nasal Saline Drops: Use saline drops to moisten nasal passages and help break up thick mucus, making breathing easier.
Gentle Suction: Use nasal aspirator devices, ideally those that offer adjustable suction levels so it is safe and effective for preterm infants. Make sure the nasal aspirator is always clean and sterilized.
Elevate the Head: Slightly elevating the head of an infant from the crib can help reduce congestion and improve breathing during sleep.

Winter air can be particularly dry, which may affect your premature baby’s sensitive skin, here are ways to keep their skin healthy:

Avoid Overbathing: Sometimes bath soap or hair washes can irritate the premature babie’s skin. Limit washing to 2 or 3 times a week. In between baths one can use a cotton wool soaked in lukewarm water to wash your baby’s face, neck, and bottom.
Moisturizer: If your baby’s skin is dry make sure to ask your healthcare team for what moisturizing product to use as some oils and lotions can increase risk of infection.³

During the winter months, colds & flus are more common. Premature babies are at a higher risk of infections due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Here are some preventive measures to protect your preemie from infections:

Limit Visitors: to reduce your risk of getting or spreading infectious diseases.
Hand Hygiene: Make sure that everyone who handles your baby washes their hands thoroughly. Consider offering hand sanitizer.
Avoid Crowded Area: Keep your baby away from areas with high foot traffic such as malls or public transport, where the risk of catching an infection is higher.

Caring for a preterm baby during the winter requires special attention to keep them warm and healthy. With these thoughtful measures outlined in our blog, you can create a safe environment for your little one during the colder months. 💙

REFERENCES

Brodsky, D., & Quinn, M. (2014). A parent’s guide to the late preterm infant. Lulu Press.
Cabrera, K. (2024). Clearing the air: How to manage your baby’s nasal congestion. Neonatal Intensive Care, 37(4), 49–50.
Tommy’s. (n.d.). Caring for your premature baby at home. Retrieved February 6, 2024, from https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/premature-birth/taking-your-baby-home/caring-your-premature-baby-home
Nemours KidsHealth. (n.d.). Caring for a premature baby. Retrieved February 6, 2024, from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/preemie-care.html