Premature Clothing

Pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks, however some babies come early for one reason or another. There can be a lot of emotion, uncertainty and added stresses after the birth of a premature baby and access to clothing can be sparse - particularly for those premature babies housed in the Waikato Hospital NICU which has 12 Level 1 beds.

Premature babies need special love and attention. Organic cotton and merino wool are the ideal fabrics for their delicate skin and helps them regulate their body temperature. Here at Little Mash Boutique it was incredibly important to us that we source and provide a range of quality premature clothing that was functional and accessible. We provide overnight delivery so you can focus on your sweet babe while they concentrate on gaining weight and getting stronger.

What is a premature baby?

A premature baby is a baby that is born too soon. Pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks. Premature birth is when a baby is born more than 3 weeks early.

What do premature babies look like?

Premature babies have not had the chance to fully develop, so they are smaller than a full-term infant. A layer of fine hair will cover their body, and their skin will be thinner and more transparent.

How do I dress a premature baby?

When a very premature baby is born they cannot regulate their own body temperature, so an incubator keeps them constantly warm. During this time they usually don’t wear anything other than a nappy and sometimes a hat. They will likely have a number of monitors attached and so they'll need clothing that opens up completely at the front for easy dressing. Merino is the best option and is actually perfect for tiny babies to wear all year round. The fibres of Merino wool keep in the warmth but are still breathable, which helps to keep baby's temperature regulated. If baby is small but not needing medical assistance, any style in the right sizing will be ok

My baby is in the NICU, what do they need?

Most hospitals will supply everything your premie baby may need - nappies, blankets, toiletries and a small supply of clothes. Some parents like to bring a baby blanket from home for a personal touch and to help their baby develop scent recognition. Similarly, dressing your baby in his/her own clothes can make you feel more at home too.

Will I need anything during our NICU stay/visits?

You will experience a lot of emotions and uncertainly while your baby is in the NICU and it is important to take care of your health and body too. We highly suggest packing a small bag with a change of clothes and socks, a blanket for you, toiletries (hair brush, toothbrush and deodorant), water, snacks and something for entertainment such as a book.