Supporting Your Premature Baby's Development: Essential Tips and Activities

Was your baby born more than 3 weeks early? Premature development differs from full-term, but there’s no need to worry! Let’s explore effective ways to understand and support your baby's growth and milestones.

Premature babies are often born with more extended (straight) positions, while full-term babies get a curled up (flexed) feeling from being in the womb longer. Babies need both flexion and extension to help their motor skill development.

Try these activities to aid your preemie's physical growth and work on their flexion. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

• Swaddling: Helps bring your baby’s arms to the middle, providing comfort and aiding in muscle development.
• Side Lying: Reduces gravity's impact, making it easier for your baby to move their arms and legs.
• Bringing Arms and Legs to Midline: Encourages flexion by helping your baby bring their limbs to the center of their body.
• Tummy Time: Strengthens neck, back, shoulder, and core muscles crucial for overall development.

📹 How to Swaddle Baby:    • How to Swaddle Baby | A Parenting Guide  

📹 Benefits of Playing with Baby in Side Lying:    • Benefits of Playing with Baby in Side Lying  

📹 Playlist: NICU and RHMC Family Rooms:    • NICU and RMHC Family Rooms  

🏠 Visit Pathways.org for more FREE resources: https://www.pathways.org

👶 Download our FREE, award-winning mobile app, featuring important milestones to keep baby on track: https://pathways.org/mobile-app

🔗 Was Baby Born Premature? What To Do Next: https://pathways.org/baby-born-premat...

🔗 Premature Baby Resources: https://pathways.org/preemie-nicu/pre...

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Pathways.org is a non-profit organization that provides free, trusted resources so that every parent is fully empowered to support their child’s development. Our milestones are supported by American Academy of Pediatric findings. Our resources are developed with and approved by expert pediatric physical and occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists.
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00:00 Was Baby Born Premature?
00:20 How a Premature Baby Develops
00:52 Flexion and Extension
01:20 Preemie Postures
02:38 Swaddling
03:04 Side Lying
03:48 Bring Arms & Legs to Midline
04:26 Tummy Time
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