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My oldest son was born at 26 weeks gestation. He weighed 2 lbs. 2 oz. and was 14 inches long.
It was the scariest experience of my life…
I had some complications during my pregnancy and labor started early due to a placental abruption. My son came quick, but the doctors were able to keep him alive. He spent nearly four months in the NICU before we could finally bring him home.
Why Am I Telling You This Story?
One special day I will always remember is the day I was able to dress my son in clothes for the first time.
NICU babies don’t wear clothes until they graduate from the isolette (incubator) into room air. Up until that point, they just wear a tiny diaper. This makes it easier for the nurses to care for them. Some babies don’t get to wear clothes for even longer depending on their individual circumstances.
Putting clothes on my baby was special because it was the first time I truly felt like he was mine and that I had any control in the situation. It gave me hope that he would get well enough to come home.
If you’re wondering how you can help NICU parents, give them some clothes for their little baby!
Things to Remember When Choosing Clothes for Preemie Babies
Most stores don’t stock clothes small enough for preemies, but you can make them yourself or order preemie clothes online. Yes, hospitals do have a small selection of clothes preemies can wear, but it’s much nicer to have your own.
One thing to keep in mind when choosing clothes for preemie babies is that they do not have any fat on their bodies, especially the micro preemies. The fat is something that comes during the final two months of pregnancy. Preemies are long and skinny, so avoid getting any clothes that look wide around the middle.
Another thing to remember when choosing clothes for preemie babies is all the cords. Wearing clothes is an important milestone in the NICU because it means the baby has grown and developed enough to maintain their own body temperature without the assistance of the isolette. However, they are still hooked up to many machines and have cords all over their bodies. This means clothes with buttons are best. That way all the cords do not have to be bundled up and pulled through the neck of the clothes.
Free Patterns for Preemie Babies
You can sew clothes for preemie babies. I’m sure NICU parents would appreciate the handmade gift. Many children’s hospitals also accept clothing donations for preemie babies.
I’ve scoured the internet for preemie baby sewing patterns and found several websites that have free patterns. There are more than 30 free patterns on these sites. If you know of any others, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below.
Check Out the Following Websites that Offer FREE Sewing Patterns for Preemies:
- Warm Hearts – Warm Babies
- Sewing Freebies
- Bev’s Country Cottage
- Touching Little Lives
- The Everyday Mama
- Pink Holly Bush Designs
- Black Sheep Wools
- Crochet Patterns Galore
- Reese Dixon
- Coral + Co. Modern Sewing
Baby Burial Gowns
Sadly, some babies are born before they have developed enough to survive outside the womb. The NICU was a scary experience that has changed the way I view life. Babies are miracles and gifts from God. There’s just something that changes you after seeing your child resuscitated in front of your eyes and feeling helpless to care for them. My heart aches for mothers who lose their babies in the NICU.
It’s very sad when a baby dies, but you can help the grieving parents by sewing baby burial gowns and donating them to your local children’s hospital. You can also donate your wedding dress and it will be transformed into a beautiful burial outfit.
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I really like the preemie footless sleeper from Warm Hearts and the NICU friendly smock from Every Day Mama. Both patterns have multiple openings for cords and leave the feet exposed so baby’s pulse oximeter machine is unaffected.
hi i’m connie dixon, i Finally found a preemie baby smock i’d like to sew for a friend of mine. her daughter had her baby girl dec 7, and she weighed 2 lbs. 5 oz. i would LOVE to sew up a bunch of these tiny smocks for her in some sweet pink fabrics! now the PROBLEM… i can’t figure out how to download the pattern. i can’t even find the pattern… i see others have asked if you could PLEASE email them the pattern, so could you please email the pattern to me also? thank you so much if you will do so…
connie dixon in southern illinois loves your patterns!dxnabkd@gmail.com
where are the free patterns on here? iam looking for a sewing pattern for a preemie hat
Sue, the pattern links are near the bottom of this post. Here’s a good preemie hat pattern for knit fabric: DIY Baby Hat.
I am expecting twin granddaughters. We are expecting them to be early. I am looking for a simple premie baby blanket. Knit or crochet. Using Bernat soft cotton. Two colors. Can you recommend a pattern
I am in contact with a hospital in Tucson Az that would like me to donate Angel pouches, angel gowns, hats, and little diapers for their NICU unit. Is it possible for you to send me a diaper pattern for them.