Welcome to The Prem Baby Store

The Prem Baby Store provides clothing and accessories for your premature or low birth weight baby.

When a baby is born prematurely or of a low-birth weight we understand that this can be a very emotional and stressful time and that it is important for you to spend as much time with your baby as possible.

You won’t want to be spending your precious time shopping or looking through multiple websites trying to get everything you need, which is why here at The Prem Baby Store we aim to reduce the stress of buying clothes and accessories for your new arrival by providing a single place to purchase competitively priced, high quality clothing and accessories leaving you with time to spend with your baby.

Eczema in Premature Babies: What Parents Should Know

Having a premature baby brings its own set of worries, and skin problems like eczema can add to these concerns. If your baby arrived early, they might be more likely to develop eczema than babies born at full term. Let me explain why this happens and what you can do to help.

Premature babies’ skin needs extra time to develop properly. When babies are born early, their skin hasn’t had enough time to build its natural protective barrier. Think of it like a wall that’s still under construction – it can’t keep moisture in or irritants out as well as it should. This makes their delicate skin more prone to becoming dry, itchy and inflamed.

You’ll notice it will appear as red, dry patches on your baby’s skin. These patches often show up on their cheeks first, then might spread to other areas like their scalp or the creases of their arms and legs. The itching can make your baby uncomfortable and fussy, especially at night.

Several things can cause eczema flare-ups in premature babies. Their immune systems are still developing, so they might react more strongly to things in their environment. If allergies or eczema run in your family, your premature baby has a higher chance of developing it too. Even the necessary medical care they receive in hospital can sometimes irritate their sensitive skin.

Taking care of your premature baby’s skin requires gentle handling and the right products. Use mild, fragrance-free bath products and keep baths short and lukewarm. Pat their skin dry very gently – don’t rub. Apply moisturiser while their skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. Your healthcare team can recommend specific products that work well for premature babies.

Creating the right environment helps too. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature – not too hot or cold. Use soft cotton clothes and bedding. Keep your baby’s nails short and clean to prevent scratching damage. Your doctor might suggest special creams or treatments if the eczema becomes severe.

Keep track of what seems to trigger your baby’s eczema flare-ups. This information helps you and your healthcare team make better decisions about their care. Remember, every baby is different – what works for one might not work for another.