The Best And Most Comfortable Baby Clothes For Your Precious Preemie

Swaddles are great for nap and sleep time, and preemies may need them more than you think. Furlong says, “Many NICU’s utilize preemie-sized swaddlers for the babies” and she recommends that parents purchase one or two for when baby goes home. “Families should pay extra attention to keeping the preemie baby from getting cold, so if the baby isn’t skin-to-skin with a parent or in a baby wrap, then one extra layer is important (i.e. outfit + swaddle).” HALO’s micro-fleece sleepsack is a favorite amongst all new parents.

The SwaddleMe preemie size swaddle is made for babies up to 7lbs. It’s meant for stage 1 swaddling, generally up to 6 months old, before babies show signs of rolling over. If you aren’t sure swaddling is for you, give it a try. We know many, many babies who have gotten more deep, sound sleep while wrapped warmly in their own cozy cocoon. One mom calling it preemie approved, says, “My daughter was born 6 weeks early and all of the swaddles we had from our older daughter were too big. We tried a few different swaddles that didn’t work for us and then stumbled upon this swaddle and decided to order it. It has worked fantastic for our daughter! I would highly recommend for smaller babies.”

Any parent to a new baby knows the amazing-ness of a kimono style onesie. It doesn’t go on over the head! Enough said. But this footless one, by Burt’s Bees Baby, is also made with organic cotton, in a quilted weave. It’s the ultimate in softness and has interior and exterior snaps, plus a snap right at the collar to keep bb warm. The fabric is 100% organic, GOTS certified, breathable cotton — great for sensitive skin and to prevent overheating. One mom loved it so much she asked that they start making it in adult sizes! (Really!)

A 5-pack of cotton bodysuits is the base of every baby wardrobe. This goes on with and under every outfit your preemie will be wearing for the next few months. Burt’s Bees organic essentials keep bb warm in GOTS Certified 100% cotton with flat-lock seams (no irritation) and nickel-free snaps (a common allergan). The lap shoulder construction (that little flap at the shoulders) means it easily expands to fit over bb’s head. These are available in multiple prints, styles and sizes to get you through all the phases of baby clothes.

Hudson Baby’s Preemie Layette Set comes with 4 pieces you’ll be needing, no matter the season. All in 100% cotton, there is a short-sleeve bodysuit, side snap long-sleeve shirt, pant and cap. The lap construction at the shoulder means it spreads, so if you’re afraid to pull anything over the head, you don’t have to. Just pull it from the bottom up. It also comes in Royal Safari Grey if you want a second set (or a more gender- neutral gift). They’ll mix and match really well together.

Side snap is a dream come true. Like a kimono-style top or jumper, this doesn’t have to go on over the head. This 5 piece long-sleeve set is an organic cotton that’s lightweight and easy to care for. They have focused on all the details we worry about with the littles— nickel free snaps, flat-lock seams, printed labels (no tags) and hidden interior snaps. These shirts also have reversible mittens which means if your baby is a scratcher, you can unroll the sleeve over the hands for sleeping. Furlong does point out that, “An important part of preemies sensory development, feeding cues, and comfort is having their hands up by their face/near their mouths. Mittens are adorable but daily use should actually be avoided for these little ones.” We literally learn something new every. Single. Day.

Only a parent who has been through night-time changings will understand the brilliance of *magnets*. This onesie, available in a ton of gorgeous colors and prints, has magnets down the front to make opening and closing so much easier than searching for snaps and buttons in a dark room, in the middle of the night. And these wonders are not just for preemies— they start at size Pre (less than 5 lbs) and go up to size 18-24 months. We can’t say enough about these from personal experience— they are game changers.

We’re crying, too! This adorable onesie has all the features any baby in the NICU/hospital needs to safely get through another day. The sleeves feature plastic snaps for x-rays. Sized just right for baby up to 5 lbs, this cozy onesie reminds everyone that although they are small, they are mighty.

This is your coziest little onesie with the extra special features your bb needs while in the hospital. Carter’s preemie line is sized for babies up to 5 lbs. This “thoughtful” line, noted by the blue heart seal, lets you know items were designed by local NICU nurses. Since Carter’s listened to their needs, and added features like velcro sleeves (easy open and close for cords, etc) and plastic snaps vs metal (safe for x-ray machines). Nurses, parents and babies everywhere are thanking Carter’s for these small changes that make an immense difference. Grammie Gigi says, “You are one of the few sources for preemie outfits which plans for the needs in the NIC Unit. Thank you for your great thinking!!!”

Perfectly Preemie has thought of everything we never knew we needed! They do a range of styles, all with the best NICU features in mind, but we love this jumpsuit with a cap and pair of booties to cover all of our bases. All of the closures are velcro for IVs, monitors and easy changing, and it’s all perfectly sized for 3-6 lbs. The prints are all so cute — think mermaids, horses and little snowmen, so if this is going to be your NICU staple, there are enough outfits for all the days you need.