What clothes may a Premature Baby wear in the NICU?
When a baby is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), their clothing needs to be soft, comfortable, and easy to access for medical care. Premature and medically fragile babies often have special requirements, so their outfits are designed to keep them warm while allowing doctors and nurses to monitor them with ease.
1. NICU-Friendly Bodysuits & Sleepsuits
Many NICU babies wear specially designed wrap-style sleepsuits or side-snap onesies that avoid going over the head. These allow for medical access while keeping the preemie baby comfortable. Some bodysuits also have Velcro or snap openings to accommodate monitoring wires or feeding tubes.
2. Open-Front Gowns (Incubator Vests)
For very small or delicate babies, gown-style clothing with open bottoms is often used. Often known as incubator vests. This makes nappy changes and medical check-ups easier without disturbing the baby too much. NICU gowns are usually made from soft, breathable cotton to prevent irritation.
3. Hats & Socks for Warmth
Premature babies can struggle to regulate their body temperature, so cotton or fleece hats are essential to keep them warm. Soft socks or booties may also be used to provide extra warmth.
4. Swaddle Blankets & Sleep Sacks
Since many NICU babies cannot wear regular clothing due to medical equipment, they are often wrapped in lightweight swaddle blankets or placed in preemie sleep sacks to keep them cozy while allowing doctors easy access.
5. Mittens
Anyone who has a premature baby will know how much they like pulling at their wires - whether its whipping out their NG tube, or hanging onto their longline. The nurses will often try and make up a pair of scratch mitts, but there is no reason that you can't provide your own.
The Goumi Stay-On Scratch Mittens have been clinically tested, and proven to reduce the rate of accidental extubation in the NICU. They have a two-part close system, which means they can grow as baby does. We recommend not having them on too tight, changing their position regularly, and giving baby’s hand a clean and a massage when they are not on - it is important for baby to have skin-contact, as well as being kept safe from pulling out essential wires.
6. Minimal or No Clothing for Some Babies
For the smallest or most fragile preemies, just a nappy and a hat may be worn, with warm incubators regulating their temperature. Skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care) is also encouraged when possible.
Choosing the right NICU premature baby clothing ensures that the baby stays warm, comfortable, and safe while receiving the best possible care.
See our detailed NICU Baby Clothing Buyer's Guide
