All About Premature Baby Nappies

Caring for a premature baby comes with unique challenges, and finding the right nappies is one of them. To make things a little easier, we’re here to explain why many premature babies need preemie nappies to provide comfort and support during those precious early days. Read on to discover how Pampers Preemie Protection nappies keep your little one’s delicate needs in mind, offering a gentle fit and exceptional care for even the tiniest newborns.

What Are Premature Nappies?

Premature nappies are essentially small nappies made for premature babies or ‘preemies’. They are designed with all-over fastening with re-attachable tabs for a customizable fit, accommodating medical leads or lines, which makes the nappy-changing process easier and minimizes disruption.

Premature babies are born before 37 weeks and often weigh less than full-term babies. An average full-term baby weighs around 2.5 to 4 kg, while premature babies will likely weigh less than 2.5 kg depending on their health and how prematurely they were born. Therefore, they often need smaller nappies designed specifically for preemies.

Premature babies also have very delicate skin, which is twice as thin as that of full-term babies. This makes it crucial to use a nappy designed specifically for their needs. Such nappies allow parents and caregivers to change and care for their preterm infants with minimal disruption and maximum comfort, enhancing the bonding experience.

related baby tool

Baby Growth Chart Calculator

Keep an eye on your baby’s height, weight, and head circumference to average growth with our simple tool.

Fill out your baby's details*:

What is your child*

Boy Girl

This is a mandatory field.

Age (months)

This is a mandatory field.

Weight (kg.)

This is a mandatory field.

Height (cm.)

This is a mandatory field.

Head circumference (cm.)

This is a mandatory field.

Track your baby’s growth

*Input details of your baby’s last measurements **Source: World Health Organization

Can You Use Newborn Nappies For Premature Babies?

Due to the weight difference between preterm and full-term babies, regular newborn nappies might be too large for premature infants. In fact, some preemies may require a nappy that is nearly three times smaller than standard sizes. Therefore, preemie nappies are the ideal choice for premature babies.

What Size Are Preemie Nappies?

Just like regular nappies, preemie nappies come in different sizes to ensure the right fit. The smallest preemie nappy size is meant for very premature babies, while the larger sizes can comfortably fit a moderately premature baby, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Here’s a quick guide to help you:

• P1 size for babies weighing less than 1800g

• P2 size for babies weighing less than 1000g

• P3 size for babies weighing less than 500g.

How Long Do Babies Stay In Preemie Nappies?

Your little one can wear preemie nappies for as long as they need them. Nappies for premature babies are designed to support a preemie’s delicate skin and smaller size. For example, Pampers Preemie Protection nappies feature premium softness and an all-over fastening for a customisable fit, allowing nappy changes in any position. This helps minimise disruption and irritation during changes – giving your baby the rest they need.

As your baby grows, they will transition to different sizes. Because each child grows at their own pace, it's important to adjust or change your baby’s nappy size according to their growth. Look for signs that you have the right nappy fit for your little one, such as being able to fit two fingers comfortably under the waistband when the nappy is fastened.

Best Preemie Nappy

Getting the right nappy for your premature baby is important in ensuring their comfort. So, we recommend our Pampers Preemie Protection nappies – perfect for sleeping and growing. As mentioned above, they come in three different sizes and are designed with premium softness so they’re extra gentle on the skin. They also have breathable layers to keep your baby’s skin dry, all-around leakage protection, and all-over fastening with re-attachable tabs for a customizable fit, accommodating medical leads or lines to support stress-free nappy changes in any position.

So, where can you buy premature baby nappies?

Families and friends of babies born prematurely can now order Pampers Preemie Protection Nappies online with free home delivery at www.pampers.co.uk/preemies-ordering-platform or buy in-store at ASDA pharmacies or Boots (in-store only and subject to availability). Additionally, Pampers continues to donate these special nappies directly to UK hospitals.

The Bottom Line

If your baby is born prematurely, ask your hospital staff for Pampers Preemie Protection nappies to keep your little one comfortable and dry.

Similar to regular nappies, preemie nappies are available in various sizes to match your baby’s weight and size perfectly. As your little one grows, choose a larger nappy size as needed. You can also download the Pampers Club app for exclusive access to the My Perfect Fit tool, ensuring your little one is comfortable and leak-free in their nappy.

Before you go, you might want to check out our informative articles all about prematurity, such as how to use corrected gestational age, caring for your premature baby at home, and our cute free preemie knitting patterns.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the National Health Service (NHS). You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}