Did you know?
In the NICU, we have many diapers specifically-designed to protect the delicate and fragile, still-developing skin of premature infants? These diapers range from nano preemie size to about three months!
♥ Nano preemie diapers are intended for infants who weigh less than 2 pounds
♥ Micro preemie diapers are intended for infants who weigh less than 4 pounds
♥ Preemie diapers and so forth are intended for infants >4 pounds
Using the correct size diaper for our neonates is optimal for healthy growth and development. Diapers should provide soft, gentle protection for the most delicate babies. This allows for desired positioning, because we know developmental positioning and being in the fetal tuck position is critically important for ELBW infants.
Babies can easily be positioned into a comfortable fetal tuck to mimic conditions in utero. Often preemies aren’t even allowed to wear clothes except for maybe a knit hat or mittens, since some babies are still learning to regulate their temperature. Sometimes getting to put a diaper on a baby is one of the few ordinary tasks that parents get to do.
Diapers may seem like an insignificant component of the NICU, but they can actually make a huge difference in the lives of NICU babies and their parents!