Sleeping

• The environment in many neonatal care units is not helpful for tiny babies trying to develop a pattern of waking and sleeping. Lights and machines may run day and night, making it difficult for babies to settle. Babies are often checked or given medication around the clock, which wakes them when they have managed to sleep. When a premature baby comes home, it is often difficult for her to adjust to the quieter and calmer home environment. Parents can help the baby establish a regular pattern of eating and sleeping throughout the day and night.
  
  

Eating

• Premature babies often struggle with eating for a variety of reasons. Very premature babies often have a disorganized suck-swallow pattern that makes it difficult for them to drink effectively without choking. Many premature babies also have feeding or breathing tubes in the hospital. Many premature babies associate drinking with unpleasant experiences once they leave the hospital. You can try many different bottles or feeding techniques. If your child is having extreme difficulty eating, consult your doctor or a feeding specialist for further help.
  
  

Attention

• Premature infants may have difficulty focusing on people and toys. They may tire easily and need to sleep more often than a baby of similar age who was born at full term. Premature infants may need softer and more soothing toys and fewer lights and motion after being released from the hospital. The best thing that parents can do is to hold the baby often and speak to him gently and softly. Try to stimulate your baby with a few toys when he is awake and calm but take care not to overwhelm him.
  
  

Fussiness

• Premature babies are sometimes very fussy when they are released from the hospital. They may cry for longer periods of time and be more difficult to sooth than a full-term baby.The baby has gone from a safe environs in the womb into a hospital with bright lights and loud machines and finally home. To help your baby adjust to being at home, try to practice extended skin to skin contact with your baby.