Newborn · 6 min read · Updated 28 September 2026
Key points
- A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is premature (preterm).
- Breast milk and skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care help premature babies grow and stay warm.
- Growth and development are judged by corrected age; vaccines follow age from birth.
- Regular follow-up — weight, eyes, hearing and development — is part of the plan.
See a doctor now if you notice
- Pauses in breathing, fast breathing or blue lips
- Feels cold to touch, or has a fever
- Too sleepy to feed, or feeding much less than usual
- Yellow colour returning or spreading
- Repeated vomiting, a swollen tummy or green vomit
What counts as premature?
A baby born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy is called premature or preterm. Babies born a little early often need a short NICU stay for warmth, feeding support or breathing help; babies born much earlier may need longer.
Feeding your premature baby
Breast milk is the best food for a premature baby. Some babies start with expressed milk by tube or cup and move to the breast as they grow stronger. Premature babies tire easily, so feeds may be small and frequent.
The doctor may add a milk fortifier or vitamin and iron drops. Give only what has been prescribed, in the exact dose.
Weight gain after the NICU
Your baby's weight is checked at each follow-up visit. Until their due date, it is plotted on a growth chart made for premature babies; after that, on the WHO chart using corrected age.
Corrected age is your baby's age from birth minus the number of weeks they were born early. Do not compare a premature baby with a full-term baby of the same birth date — steady gain along their own curve is what matters.
Kangaroo care and keeping warm
Kangaroo mother care means holding your baby skin-to-skin on your chest, upright between the breasts, covered with a cloth. WHO recommends it for small and premature babies — it helps warmth, breathing, breastfeeding and bonding. Fathers and other family members can do it too.
- Keep the room warm and free of draughts
- Dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing
- Wash hands before handling your baby, and keep visitors with colds away
- Always put your baby to sleep on their back, on a firm, flat surface
Follow-up checks your baby may need
Premature babies are followed up more closely than full-term babies. The neonatologist will tell you which checks your baby needs and when.
- Eye screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), when advised
- Hearing screening
- Growth and development checks by corrected age
- Vaccines on time, by age from birth
Questions parents ask
Are vaccines delayed for premature babies?
No. Premature babies are vaccinated by their age from birth, not corrected age, in most cases. The doctor will tell you if any dose needs a change.
How long should I use corrected age?
Doctors usually use corrected age for growth and development until about 2 years of age.
How much weight should my premature baby gain?
It depends on how early your baby was born and their current weight, so there is no single target. The doctor plots each weight on the right growth chart and will tell you whether your baby is on track.
When can I take my premature baby out?
Short trips are fine once the doctor is happy with your baby's health. Avoid crowded places and anyone with a cough or cold in the first months.
This guide is general health information for parents. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a visit to your child's doctor. If you are worried, call us — we are open 24 hours for emergencies.
Sources
How we can help
Level 2 NICU
Specialised neonatal intensive care with round-the-clock monitoring for our tiniest patients.
Warmer & CPAP
Advanced warmer and CPAP support to stabilise and care for fragile newborns.
Feeding Counseling
Expert feeding counselling to support healthy growth from the start.
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