Premature babies have needs of their own. They are special in their own way, and they have physical needs that vary from the needs of normally born children. They are usually lighter in weight, and have more delicate skin. Apart from special dietary care, premature kids also need special forms of clothing. Research has indicated that the clothing of premature babies plays a vital role in their chances of survival, especially in the unfortunate incident of admittance into the NICU, and the transition to the stage of normal weight, as well as to their growth rates afterwards.
Preemie diapers are the perfect diaper size for babies born earlier than expected. They are usually manufactured for babies with weights ranging from 1-6 lbs. Prices range from as little as $2 to over $12 for a pack of 6 diapers, depending on the company label and the diaper size.
Preemie diapers are usually the smallest standard diaper size manufactured by the leading diaper brands, like Procter and Gamble, and Huggies. These companies follow the motto that extraordinary kids deserve extraordinary treatment, right from Day One. If the kids arrive early, they have to be given that extra special care from their own Day One then.
Preemie diapers are similar in design to the diapers meant for newborn kids, but are a little smaller in size. They usually consist of a cut out notch just like the newborn diapers, and can be made from cloth or disposable materials. For example, preemie diapers produced by Huggies, sold under the brand name Little Snugglers, are more gentle and comfortable, with softer infillings, than the other diapers by the same company. Free of latex and nylon, and featuring a baby-shaped fit, these diapers provide optimal convenience and relaxation to the kid. Their cloth like cover contains super easy grip tabs that can be adjusted for use by the parent as per the baby’s size. The waistband is made of ultra soft and stretchy elastic material so as not to leave behind rashes on the premature baby’s soft skin. The waistband is also designed with the remains of the umbilical cord in mind. They help preemies adjust to the new world without the troubling waistbands of normal diapers that would otherwise cover and apply pressure to the navel, making the baby itchy and uneasy.
Preemie diapers usually come in fancy colors and designs, with laces, embroidery, and floral patterns. Some may feature cartoon characters like Winnie the Pooh and Tom & Jerry, while some may just contain splotches of random colors. They can be made into “girl” and “boy” categories by adding a touch of pink or blue, respectively. Some diapers may be as simple as a small napkin, while others may be attached to full length maxi-style dresses for babies.