Parent's guide to your new baby born a little early

Congratulations on the birth of your baby!

As your baby was born a little earlier than expected (between 34 and 37 weeks) we call your baby a "late preterm baby". A term birth is when they are born after 37 weeks. Every year in the UK lots of babies are born a little early just like yours. It's important for you to understand why your baby has slightly different care needs.

Babies born "late preterm" need a bit more time in hospital as they're not quite as ready for home as babies born after 37 weeks. Usually, they need to stay in hospital for 4-6 days.

We hope to keep you and your baby together in the same ward during your time in hospital. As your baby is a "late preterm" baby the team on the ward will review your baby every day.

This leaflet explains the extra care that your baby needs and why the Doctors, Advanced Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (ANNP) and Midwives caring for your baby will be looking at certain things at each review.