Preemie Essentials : Where To Buy Your Tiny Warrior's Needs

Acccording to UNICEF, in every 10 babies born, 1 is preterm, with an estimated 13.4 million babies born too soon in 2020.

But with a combined report of updated estimates with the World Health Organization (WHO), agencies note that there were 152 million premature babies born from 2010 to 2020. According to WHO, preterm infants are born at less than 37 weeks gestational age and low birth weight infants are born with a birth weight below 2.5 kilos regardless of gestational age.

Many of the premature babies are born less than 5 pounds or 2.2 kilos.

It's not always easy for preemie parents to shop and look for preemie clothing. At times, preemie parents simply don't know where to look. I, myself, for instance, when I gave birth to a preemie, I didn't know initially that such kind of clothing line exists. In malls, most sizes available are that of a typical newborn's.

September is NICU awareness month so what beautiful way to celebrate the gift of life of these tiny but mighty babies than to have the question answered, "Where can I buy clothing and feeding basics tailored-fit to their needs?"

So we're sharing a curated list of preemie finds like clothes, diapers, feeding essentials and more, for when preemie babies graduate from NICU.

This list emphasizes the key items tailored according to their unique needs, focusing on providing comfort, warmth, and safety. Plus, we've added links where you can buy them so feel free to buy clothes and diapers that finally fit!

Preemie shopping basics

Here’s a list of preemie essentials a parent can consider:

1. Clothing

Preemie-sized outfits. Opt for soft, adjustable clothing made specifically for premature babies. Mommy Karmina Patilan and Mommy Kaye de Lara, mommies from Smart Parenting Village, a community of more than 107,000 Filipino moms and dads who share tips and experiences related to parenting, recommend Bairns Clothing for your preemie-sized outfits.

A local brand with a noble purpose and cause, Bairns Clothing makes sure that their locally-made products are designed to fit your tiny, little warriors. More than aesthetics, they want preemies to be safe and veer away from having loose clothes that may cover babies' faces which might lead to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), according to a blog interview with the makers of Bairns Clothing, who also happened to be preemie moms. 

Bairns Clothing donates a contribution to NICU families in need for every purchase. Find them on Facebook and Instagram. 

Onesies and sleepers. Choose breathable, organic cotton materials to avoid skin irritation. There are a lot of preemie clothing selection from Mamas & Papas. Mamas & Papas has over four decades of experience, offering expert guidance and products to support new parents and their families.

Mamas & Papas has a physical store in Opus Mall, but you can order online, too. 

Hats and mittens. Premature babies are prone to the cold, so these accessories help regulate body temperature. Mommy Karmina says Cotton Stuff newborn sizes are smaller than usual so you can check this brand, too. (Note: her baby weighed 1.5 kgs then)

Find Cotton Stuff on Shopee and Lazada. 

2. Diapers

Preemie diapers. These are smaller than standard newborn sizes and these preemie diapers offer a snug and comfortable fit.

Mommy Hannah and Mommy Kaye of Smart Parenting Village recommend Mamy Poko Airfit and EQ Dry Premature. Tip from Mommy Kaye: "Kapag malaki pa rin yung newborn size ginagamitan ko nalang ng micropore tape para sumikip!" Neil-eil, on the other hand, recommends Moosegear Newborn. Meanwhile, Pampers Preemie Swaddlers diapers are designed with NICU nurses to promote skin health and uninterrupted sleep.

Find Mamypoko Airfit on Lazada, Moosegear Newborn on Shopee, Pampers preemie swaddlers on Amazon, and EQ Dry Premature on Shopee Supermarket. 

3. Feeding Essentials

Bottles with slow-flow nipples. Preemies often need help feeding because they get tired easily. Aim to breastfeed or cup feed your little babies with breastmilk but should the need for supplemental feeding through a baby bottle is needed, there are nipples that ensure the baby can receive the correct amount of milk at a manageable pace. They can "stop and feed" without getting too tired. 

Find Philips Avent slow flow nipples on Lazada and Shopee. 

Breastfeeding support tools. Nipple shields and breast pumps can assist mothers in feeding or pumping milk for their premature infants, especially those babies who cannot latch directly to their moms. My baby was tube-fed in NICU because he was too weak to breastfeed and he got used to "feeding without sucking." I would pump breastmilk and feed him using a bottle with nipples that has a continous flow of milk. 

Find Medela breast pump on Lazada and Lansinoh nipple shields on Shopee.

4. Blankets and Swaddles

Soft swaddle blankets. Preemies would need snug, secure fit of swaddles which ultimately provide comfort and warmth.

Make sure preemie babies aren't too cold nor too warm. Temperature control is key, but Kangaroo care is best!

Find Cotton Central baby blankets on Lazada and Enfant bamboo muslin swaddle blankets from Shopee. Find Kangaroomom newborn sleep sack on Lazada and Einmilk baby swaddle sleeping bags on Shopee.

5. Nursery Essentials

Preemie-friendly crib or bassinet. Ensure the crib is suitable for small babies, ideally with soft cushioning and padding.

Mamas & Papas has a crib ideal for babies 0-6 months which has an adjustable side and versatile design, which means baby can nap anywhere in the home. You can bring it to the side of the bed or bring it to the living room while doing household chores because the bassinet is removable. It also doubles up as storage and changer, thanks to its built-in changing mat and shelf.

You can buy Mamas & Papas Lua Bedside Crib in beige here.

You can also Find Chicco Travel Cot on Lazada for your pack-and-go travel crib and Akeeva luxury wood sidebed crib that has both rocking and stationary functions on Shopee. 

Do you know the baby care basics for your preemie when you bring him home? Find five important points here.