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Why is a special premature nappy important?

If we look at the research at our disposal, it’s to be noted that it’s a proven fact that to assist the premature infant, developmental care programs needs to be followed. Part of developmental care is placing the premature infant back into the fetal position.

Resource: http://images.main.uab.edu/healthsys/ei_0128.gif

Looking at the pictures above we can ask ourselves the following questions:

Do the pictures below look uncomfortable, and would you like to lie like this for 12 weeks?

Lisa born 26w, 785g

All of the above illustrate the importance of the correct premature nappy.

Why can premature babies not lie in the fetal position by themselves?

When a baby is born early, the body isn't strong enough to keep itself in the fetal position. While in the womb, a full term child is able to strengthen its muscles by stretching and kicking against the womb, but an early born child will not have that muscle development or strength. Preemie bones are also softer and more fragile than those of full-term babies.

What problems might occur if the incorrect nappy is used?

If a premature child has to wear a regular sized nappy the baby may become bow-legged and at the same time be very uncomfortable. The human brain is also like two houses opposite one another, with a piece of grass between it. During various developmental stages in a person’s life, your brain form paths between your left and right brain. It’s like walking from the one house to the other house. Using the incorrect nappy, could result in this piece of grass becoming wider, thus resulting in taking you much longer to establish the path.

How can I determine if the nappy that I’m using is correct?

If a child is lying on his/her side with the correct nappy on, the legs would come together, instead of the top leg hanging over the larger nappy. Nursing staff must be able to put baby back into a fetal position, and do optimal nesting or swaddling with the premature infant.

What nappies do Preemies For Africa recommend and where can we obtain them?

Preemies For Africa suggest that parents use the Little Miracle^® Premature Nappy due to the following reasons:

Where can parents find Little Miracle® Premature Nappies?

Little Miracle^® Premature Nappies are available from

Hospital Pharmacies

Cost depends on the store or hospital pharmacy you purchase Little Miracle® from.

Contact the Little Miracle^® Products and Service Office on 0861 MIRACLE (0861 647 4225) to be referred to your closest retail outlet.

If would like more information on the Little Miracle^® Premature Nappy please visit www.lmps.co.za

What other premature nappies are available on the market, what are the differences between them and Little Miracle^® and where can we obtain them?

The nappies listed below, was available in South Africa on a stage, however to our knowledge they are no longer available.