Preemie Questions

Mine were 12 weeks early and I was really scared too. I would agree with the others who said wait until the end of RSV season but then this summer I would say let them do it all as long as they are not around other kids that you know are sick.

I think this spring/summer is the perfect time. I would get through rsv season, as I know their lungs may still not be able to take rsv like some other children. But, they will be walking likely, and ready to take on the world..little by little. I would still use hand washing or gel when you cant use soap and water, but I think you will be able to have a super fun summer with them this year!! ~A.~

I've got twins as well. Mine were very small (4'11 & 5'2) I kept them completely away from the outside world for 8 weeks. If you are concerned about having them out, wait until cold & flu season is over. I think that if they're one now, that they need interaction from other children. I would start with baby steps and only let them play with other kids you know.

My advice is to wait until after April, the end of RSV season. Since this is their first year.

My daughter was 5 mos early and she has not been sick yet, and I am sure it's because I keep her inside. RSV kills, so why risk it just for a visit to the park? Too many unavoidable risks at the Docs office every 3 mos already.

After the RSV risk is over I think it would be much safer for you.

Hi C.! Congratulations on being a premie mom! Mine are doing awesome!
We took them "out" to a fellowship at a friend's house for the first time when they were about 3mo (we'd had them home for 1 mo). Didn't leave them at the church learning center until they were 6mo. (our church's rule is that they can start when they're 4mo). Took them swimming at my aunt's house a couple times last summer. We do the park a lot but it's hard for me with two of them to keep track of. I take them everywhere with me now. I was pretty paranoid for the first couple months but they are so healthy, so strong. They're 18mo now and haven't had any issues. You can't let fear of germs or injury keep you from doing the things you want to do, the things you know they'll want to do. Just jump off that ledge girl! :) PS for the record my big guy started walking at 14mo, but my little one is just now taking his first steps at 18mo.

Aww my daughter was not that premature but I understand exactly why you are worried. And I say take them out let them enjoy their wonderful life. Yes with all children you want to be cautious but in the end they will be better off going to the park and playing also meeting other kids, playing outside and enjoying the world will actually build their immune system. Yes they might get a cold or stomache bug but they will be ok. All kids get it even preemies. I think once you do let go a bit you will see how much fun they are having and how happy they are and you will be so happy as well! And for a little peace of mind bring hand sanitizers. Good luck!!

Congratulations on your twins. I also had preemie twins they weigh 3lbs 4 oz and 2lbs 7oz. when born. Just like you I was afraid to leave the house and invite people over. I finally got over my fears and took them to church when they where 6 months old. Then we tried other places. I really did not take them out during the winter months because of the germ factor.

I had a preemie also (10 weeks early) she is 17 months old now. All the doctor told me is that she will be 10 weeks behind babies her age until she was two. Your babies are at a good weight now for being preemies. My daughter weighs 19lbs and like i said she's 17 mos. Anyway, your babies are able to go swimming with supervision of course and take them out to the park and other activities. Its good for them and i know the hospital did scare you cause they scared me too. They will be ok and just because they were premature at birth doesn't mean they can't do everything other babies do. Good luck and congrats on the twins!!!

C.,

My daughter was about4 weeks early. She only weighed 3 lbs 14 oz. She stayed in the hospital for 2 weeks.

But shortly after that I treated her like a normal infant. She's now 17 years old and a pain in my... thigh! LOL!

Unless your kids have special health issues, I'd take them out and let them get acquainted with the world. The sound like they are health. The best way to protect them from the "bugs" out there is to let them experience them so they can build up immunity.

Hope this helps!

M.

my daughter was born 8 weeks early. I just tried to channel the line that one of the NICU nurses told us "just use your common sense and best judgment." If they are almost to their adjusted b-day (congrats on that, btw) I would start taking them more places. My personal opinion is that they need to be exposed in order to build a healthy immune system. I have my daughter in a mother's day out program twice a week plus she goes to the nursery at church and when I go to my mom's group. Oddly enough, she did not start coming down with stuff until this calendar year. I hate her getting sick, but it's inevitable. Just slowly start taking them more places. Use general precautions as you would with full term babies. It's so hard being a preemie parent knowing what to do and when to do it. I still struggle all the time!

I don't have preemies, but I work with preemies all the time as a pedi physical therapist, and I would say you can stop worrying now. They are over a year old now, and from what you say have no ongoing health concerns. Flu and RSV season is almost over, and the weather is turning nice. They have built up what immune system they can up to this point, and catching little colds and viruses is unfortunately inevitable. Your little ones were at such a higher risk due to prematurity, but at this point they are old enough where the prematurity is really no longer a factor. They are also old enough now to really enjoy going outside for walks, park, etc. So enjoy the nice weather and enjoy your summer outdoors. YOu can now relax and worry less and enjoys your boys more!

I had a preemie (10 weeks premature, 5 weeks in hospital)..first baby too! As a first time mom I was scared to death and did everything they told me to do for her..that lasted 3 months..after that..I said, "forget it!".. I treated her like a normal baby and we did normal baby activities(even if it meant I had to carry around oxygen and an apnea monitor!) and ran around all over the place...so I only waited 3 months to take her out..Go out have fun! It's been a year!

(She's 10 1/2 now and she's fine!)

My little love lump was born 12 weeks premature and in NICU for almost 2 months. I realize this does not compare to 100 days but let me just say.......and I say this with love and compassion.....GET THOSE KIDDOS OUTSIDE =)
Seriously, if they are healthy and doing well, the best thing you can do for all 3 of you is get outside and get gone. Of course, you want to make sure the weather is relatively nice, but by all means, I think it certainly okay, if not best, to get them out. Germs and exposure are not a totally bad thing. But yes, RSV is a threat...did they get the shots? I was determined to make life as normal for the 2 of us as I could, without being ignorant about it, that is... I tried not to be paranoid about getting him out because I knew it had to be good for him. After all, if we can take them to the grocery store (ewww) then we can really take them anywhere....GOOD LUCK!
Oh,By the way...He just turned 4 and is TOTALLY HEALTHY!!