Learning About Stages of Development, Babies Born Before 27 Weeks

Babies born before 27 weeks are very small and still have a lot of growing to do. They need special care in the hospital to support their development. Here are some common things you may notice about a baby born this early.

At this stage your baby may:

• Have a smaller body, which makes their head seem larger.
• Have less body fat.
• Have thin, shiny skin. You may be able to see veins underneath.
• Have fragile skin that bruises easily.
• Have fine hair (lanugo) on their back and shoulders.
• Have fused eyes for the first few days of life.
• Get cold in normal temperatures.
• Have trouble breathing.
• Spend most of the day sleeping.
• Like being in a tucked position, as if they were inside your womb.
• Respond to being moved, touched, or overstimulated with changes in heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen.
• Use facial expression and body language to communicate with you.

You’re an important part of your baby’s care. And there are things you can do during this time to help your baby.

When your nurse says it's okay, you can help with diaper changes and other daily care. Being part of your baby's care helps both of you.

You can talk or read to your baby often. Your baby likes to hear your calm, soft, quiet voice. Otherwise, keep the room as quiet as you can.

When your doctor says it's okay, hold or touch your baby skin-to-skin. Your baby may get their best sleep while skin-to-skin. Gentle containment touch or head cradling is also soothing.

Make sure to keep your baby’s eyes covered in direct light. And avoid using a flash when taking pictures. Your baby's eyes are sensitive to light changes.

Your baby knows your scent. Don't wear perfumes or colognes or use strong soap. Ask your nurse about using a scent cloth. This is a small cloth that you wear against your skin and then leave near your baby so that they can smell you when you're not there.

Pump your breast milk and save your early colostrum (the first form of breast milk). Even small amounts can help protect your baby. Give your pumped milk to your neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse, and talk with them about colostrum care. This can support your baby's development.