Hi, I don't have a premature baby, but I'm an NICU nurse. I suggest that instead of typical baby clothing, premature baby packages should include more practical items. Babies don't typically leave the hospital until they are at least 5 pounds (in Canada, anyway), so clothing for babies weighing less than this should be made with hospital considerations in mind.

Clothing that goes on over the head is foolish. Many low birthweight babies require some sort of respiratory support that would have to be interruped just to get the outfit on. Sleepers or shirts that fasten in the front are much easier.

We often have to cut holes in the feet of sleepers because the O2 saturation probes go on the feet, and it's uncomfortable for the baby to have the long cord come out through the neck hole. It the baby has an IV in his arms or legs, that limb sometimes has to hang out of the sleeper. Sleepers that have snaps up the legs are practical.

The absolute best thing I've seen are little shirts that fasten in the front with velcro. These are great because many of our babies have arterial or venous lines in their umbilicus, which would be covered by regular sleepers. These little shirts allow us to visualize the lines and change diapers without disturbing the baby as much.

I'm so glad to see a topic about this. Clothing for premature babies, even very tiny ones that are not ready to come home, is really important. I think dressing the baby is one of many care activities that are important for parents to feel like parents in a setting where nothing is going as planned.

1.Do you have, have you had or are going to have a premature baby? Had 3 maybe a 4th
2.If you have, please state the weight of your baby. 4lbs, 2lbs and 4lbs
3.Which retailers do you know stock premature babywear on the High Street? Next, Adams, Asda, Tesco
4.Have you ever bought any? I brought loads having 3 prems and brought prem clothes for this baby.
5.What do you think of the current offer of premature babywear? Is there enough? No there isnt enough choice or places that sell premature baby clothes. Some dont cater for the fact prem babys have alot of tubes and monitors etc.
6.Is price an important factor when purchasing premature babywear? Its higher priced than normal baby wear but should be lower priced as less fabric.
7.How much do you think a 7 piece premature pack should be? £7
8.What do you think should be the essential items for a premature pack? Vests with front opening, Babygrow Front opening, Tiny hats, Cardigans.
9.I have noticed that most premature packs on the High Street are basic designs in pastel colours. Do you think this is the most appealing design? There should be designs as what you can buy in bigger baby clothes cause why should things be different because your baby is born prem.
Please indicate any design ideas/suggestions you may have for a premature babywear pack. Like i stated above front opening babygrows, vests, tiny baby hats as most babywear shops dont provide hats for the prem baby and these are very important. Nice bright desgins for both boys and girls.

Hope this helps x