How Premature Babies Communicate
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What do I need to know about how premature babies communicate?
A premature baby (preemie) communicates differently than a full-term baby does. A preemie may be smaller and have less muscle tone. His or her lungs have not fully developed yet. This means he or she cannot cry the way a full-term baby does when wet, hungry, or in pain. The ways your baby communicates may be hard to notice at first, depending on how prematurely he or she was born. You will get to know your baby's way of communicating as you bond with him or her. Communication will also get stronger and clearer as your baby grows.
What are some ways my baby will communicate what he or she wants or needs?
- Happy or content states may be a good time to interact with your baby. Make eye contact if you can. Smile at your baby. Talk to or sing to him or her. The following are ways your baby may communicate being content or ready for interaction:
- Relaxed arms and legs, with fewer jerky movements
- Soft cooing sounds
- Smooth, relaxed facial features
- Slow, steady breathing
- Being awake, looking around, or making eye contact
- Stress or pain may happen if your baby is overstimulated by light, sound, or touch. He or she may be hungry or need a diaper change. His or her position in the incubator may need to be adjusted. Lights may need to be dimmed. The following are ways your baby may communicate stress or pain:
- Fast breathing, hiccups, yawning, sneezing, or a gagging or gasping sound
- Body twitches, jerky movements, stiff arms and legs, or back arches
- A hand held up with fingers spread
- Hands covering his or her face
- Not looking around or holding eye contact
- Seeming sleepy or drowsy during times he or she is usually awake and interacting
- A wrinkled forehead
What can I do to help care for my baby?
Healthcare providers will teach you how to bathe your baby and change his or her diapers. You may also learn to check your baby's temperature and skin color. The following are ways you can bond with your baby and learn how he or she communicates:
- Get involved with your baby's daily care activities. As you learn how your baby communicates needs, you may be able to do several activities at the same time. This helps your baby get more rest because he or she is disturbed less often. Always wash your hands before you touch your baby. Your baby is at increased risk for infections because his or her immune system is not fully developed.
- Breastfeed your baby, if possible. You can also pump and store your breast milk so it can be fed to your baby later. Your baby will need to feed at least every 3 hours. You may learn how to feed your baby if he or she cannot breastfeed.
- Soothe your baby. Have skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) if your baby is well enough and responds to touch. Your baby lies on your bare chest with as much of his or her skin touching yours as possible. Skin-to-skin contact may also help with breastfeeding. You may be able to touch your baby gently if you cannot hold him or her. Speak or sing to your baby softly if you cannot hold or touch him or her.
- Try to keep the area around your baby dark and quiet. Your baby may be sensitive to light or noise. If your baby is in an incubator, open the door slowly and quietly.
Where can I find support or more information?
Remember to take time to care for yourself. Eat healthy meals and get as much rest as possible. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need help managing stress. It may also help to join a support group or talk with others who have delivered a preemie.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your baby's care. Learn about your baby's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your baby's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your baby. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
