The short answer
Babies born early go home when they are breathing on their own, feeding well enough to gain weight, and keeping warm in a cot. At home, feed often, keep your baby warm without overheating, lay them on their back to sleep, limit visitors and keep hands washed, and keep every follow-up for growth, hearing, eyes and development. Go to a hospital immediately for breathing difficulty, blue colour, poor feeding, a temperature that is too high or too low, or unusual sleepiness.
See a paediatrician, from ₦50,000Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Feeding and growth
Breast milk is best, and some preterm babies need it fortified or topped up as the team advises. Expect frequent feeds. Your baby's weight is checked at the first review to make sure they are gaining.
Warmth and safe sleep
- Keep the room comfortably warm and dress your baby in one more layer than you wear
- Skin-to-skin contact keeps a small baby warm and helps feeding
- Lay your baby on their back to sleep, in their own cot, with no pillows or loose blankets
Protecting from infection
Preterm babies catch infections more easily. Wash hands before handling the baby, keep anyone with a cough or cold away, and keep vaccinations on schedule by age from birth, not adjusted for prematurity, unless the doctor says otherwise.
Follow-up
Milestones are judged by corrected age, counted from the due date. Hearing, eye checks and development reviews catch problems early, when help works best.
What it costs on Mezo
One fixed price, paid online.
Common questions
When will my preterm baby sleep through the night?
Later than a term baby, usually. Small babies need frequent feeds, and the team will tell you how long to leave between feeds.
When should I worry about breathing?
Go to a hospital immediately if your baby has pauses in breathing, works hard to breathe, grunts, or turns blue or grey.
Who does the follow-up checks?
A paediatrician, from ₦50,000 at Haven Paediatrics in Ikeja, with referral to specialists if any check needs it.
The procedures
Related health guides
More patient guides
Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Preterm birth. World Health Organization. Fact sheet.
- Specialist neonatal respiratory care for babies born preterm (NG124). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 22 October 2026.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.