How to Size Clothing for a Preemie Baby

Do you have a premature baby? Have you found that newborn clothes are too big? Sometimes it's difficult to know what size to buy your premature baby, because all preemies are not equal. This article will tell you how to select clothing and what to look for when preparing your preemie baby's layette.

Things You'll Need

  • Approximate size and gender of your preemie

Instructions

    • 1

      Take your premature baby's general weight and length to the store with you so that you have an idea of the type of preemie clothes you should buy. Most preemie babies have leads on them in the hospital, so they need clothing with snaps up the front that you can pass the leads through. Look for things like onesies and sleepers with snaps.

    • 2

      Measure the torso length of the item with your eyes to make sure it's not too long. Getting the correct torso length is the trickiest part of buying preemie clothes. Not all preemie clothes use the same general measurements to construct the clothing, so look carefully.

    • 3

      Look at the arm length of the item you are considering buying. Preemies usually have long, skinny arms, so long sleeved items aren't usually a good idea. Onesies with short sleeves and buttons up the front, or gowns with long sleeves that can cover the hands, are great items.

    • 4

      Keep in mind that your premature baby may grow extremely fast during the first few months of life. It's always good to get clothing that can stretch and/or extenders for the bottom of the onesie so that it can be made longer if necessary. The extenders usually look like extra snaps that you can attach to the snaps at the bottom of the onesie to make the torso longer.

    • 5

      Purchase clothing that is newborn size or size 0 to 3 months after your baby has reached his or her due date. Modern technology has ensured that many preemies meet or exceed normal size for a newborn by the time they reach their due dates. Take advantage of that knowledge to plan ahead and calculate the correct size clothing for your baby.

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