Welcoming a new baby into the world is an indescribable feeling. But for parents of preemie babies — who will spend their first days, weeks or even months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) — it can also be an overwhelming time. We’re here to help with our full line of preemie baby clothes (including micro preemie clothing sizes), designed in partnership with NICU nurses to dress the tiniest (but mightiest!) bundles of joy in the softest fabrics with functional design details. Check out our guide to what to consider when buying for your newborn baby.
1. Be aware of how sizing works
There are general sizing guidelines for infant preemie clothes, but just as with children’s and adult clothing, sizing for newborn and preemie clothes varies from one brand to the next. In addition to our standard newborn size up to nine pounds and preemie size up to 6 pounds, Carter’s® NICU preemie collection offers a preemie size up to 5 pounds. You won’t see a size range on Carter’s labels. Our clothing labeled 3M might compare to the 0-3M in another brand.
Here’s a sample of our baby apparel sizing chart:
Preemie, up to 5lbs, up to 17”
Preemie, up to 6lbs, up to 18”
NB (newborn), 6-9lbs, 18-21.5”
3M, 9-12.5lbs, 21.5-24”
6M, 12.5 - 17lbs, 24-27”
2. It’s all in the details
Carter’s styles for preemie babies were designed with the help of NICU nurses and are available in three sizes: up to 5 pounds, up to 6 pounds and newborn up to 9 pounds. Our collection of preemie clothes features helpful design details that meet the unique needs of babies being medically monitored, such as the hook and loop closures at the arms, plastic snaps, and the footless design on preemie sleepers in our Sleep & Play collection.
3. Buy in small quantities
Babies grow and change in what can seem like the blink of an eye. Rather than “stocking up” on baby clothes, try buying each size in small quantities.
4. Choose soft fabrics
Newborns have sensitive skin, and preemie babies may be even more sensitive than full-term newborns. Choose gentle fabrics that will keep your baby comfy and cozy. Cotton blends and tagless clothing are ideal for most newborns.
5. Pick clothes that are easy to put on and take off
Dressing your baby in the NICU is all about what’s easy for parents and gentle for baby. Our preemie clothes are designed with this in mind. Strong plastic snaps at the legs, side-snap on tops, overlap shoulders for easy over-the-head removal, and hook and loop closures at the shoulders and sleeves are a few of the features that aim to make NICU life a little easier. Pajamas come with snaps, zippers or cinched hems on gowns that make diaper changes a breeze.
6. Don’t forget warm accessories
Hats are essential to keep babies warm. We offer preemie caps in various colors and styles, and in three sizes: up to five pounds, up to six pounds, and newborns up to nine pounds. Each cap is specially created for preemies using soft, stretchy material, a comfortable lining and a functional cuff.
Mittens protect newborns from scratching themselves, but they can also keep their tiny hands warm. Choose from packs of mittens that are easy to put on and remove.
7. Celebrate every milestone!
A stay in the NICU may feel like a bump in the road, but we want to help you celebrate your newborn. NICU-friendly bodysuits with sweet slogans, festive holiday designs and seasonal prints are sure to make you (and your little one’s medical crew) smile.
8. Go home in style
Celebrate your tiny warrior’s homecoming day with a sweet preemie outfit to remember. Will your little one be riding snugly in cozy matching organic cotton essentials? Eliciting oohs and aahs in a bodysuit and legging combo with adorable childhood characters? Or making a grand debut in a dress or ribbed two-piece set with a matching cardigan? No matter what you choose, the day will be one to remember forever.
