Northside Hospital - Special Beginnings

WAYS TO HELP CALM AND COMFORT YOUR BABY • Hug your baby with your hands by placing one hand around their head and the other hand supporting their feet. These hand hugs help your baby to curl up and relax. • Swaddle your baby in a blanket. • Help your baby into a curled position with their legs flexed and assist them in bringing their hands up to their mouth. • Place your baby in their developmental positioner. • Offer your baby a pacifier. • Let your baby hold your finger. • Hold your baby quietly to reduce stimulation. • Turn down the lights and decrease the noise around your baby’s bed. • Speak softly to your baby. • Placing your warm hands gently on your baby is soothing and calming. However, premature infants prefer not to be stroked, tickled or rubbed because their neurological system isn’t ready for this type of touch. • Premature babies like to be curled up on their tummy or side-lying supported with a positioning device. This allows them more control over their movements. • Your baby may need their diaper or their position changed.

Special Beginnings in the Special Care Nurseries

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