Ultimate Guide to Preemie Clothes

Whether you’re preparing for a baby born early or sizing up items for discharge, preemie clothing is specially sized and designed to fit tiny newborns comfortably and safely. Below is what parents should know—from fabrics and features to how much to buy.

What “Preemie” Clothing Means

Preemie clothing is sized for babies smaller than typical newborns—usually under about 6 pounds—but exact sizing varies by brand and style. Preemie sizes often correspond to:

• Micro-preemie: ~1–3 lbs (some brands even label “Mini” or “Nano”)

• Preemie: ~3–6 lbs
  (Newborn sizes are larger and may be too big initially for many preemies)

Because every ounce counts with preemies, focus on weight and length rather than age when choosing clothes.

Key Clothing Types & When to Use Them

Here’s a breakdown of cute and practical items—as also seen in the Feltman Brothers Preemie Collection:

Take-Me-Home Gowns

• Ideal for the first journey home from the hospital.

• Loose enough to be comfortable, yet adorable for photos.

Onesies & Open-Front Pieces

• Great for everyday wear once your baby is stable.

• Look for ones with snaps or ties instead of head-over-shoulder styles to ease dressing and undressing.

Rompers, Bubbles & Creepers

• Cute outfits that are sized smaller and easier to tailor to a tiny body.

• Picks like preemie cotton rompers from Feltman Brothers strike a nice balance of softness and style.

Daygowns & Special-Occasion Fits

• Fun for outings, photos, or special moments.

• Just be sure they’re still easy to get on/off around medical equipment or bandages.

Hats, Bonnets & Booties

• Help regulate warmth and add adorable finishing touches.

• Most have elastic or soft fits that work well for small heads and feet.

NICU-Friendly Clothing Tips

If your baby is in the NICU, clothing choices should complement medical care:

• Open shoulders or front access
• Footless options for easier handling of tubes/lines
• Soft fabrics that won’t irritate delicate skin

Ask your NICU team when it’s appropriate to start dressing your baby—they can provide guidance based on monitors and temperature regulation needs.

Sizing Tips That Actually Help

Measure weight and length, not age—preemie sizing varies widely.

If your baby is close to the top of a size range, consider sizing up for comfort and room to grow.

Different manufacturers vary—Feltman Brothers preemie garments are cut especially small to fit these tiny babies well.

How Much to Have on Hand

A rough checklist (adjust based on laundry frequency and NICU timelines):

• 6–8 onesies or gown-style outfits

• 4–6 sleepers or rompers

• 2–3 hats & booties sets

• Optional: one or two photo outfits for milestones

Many parents find that preemie clothes are quickly outgrown, so it’s smart not to overbuy—and consider a handful of newborn sizes too for later in the first month.

Final Thoughts

Preemie clothes are more than adorable—they’re crafted with comfort, accessibility, and tiny proportions in mind. Brands like Feltman Brothers offer beautifully made options that make special moments even more memorable.