Preterm babies can look a little different from babies born at term. For babies born mildly preterm (from 32 to 37 weeks) they will often just look a little smaller than a baby born after 37 weeks.
Babies born moderately or extremely preterm (less than 32 weeks) can be very tiny and often frail looking. Very preterm babies usually look quite thin, because they have not developed layers of body fat yet.
This also gives their skin a wrinkled look, like a 'little old man or woman'. Their head and belly will generally look larger and out of proportion from their small chest, skinny arms and legs. Their hand and fingers may not even be able to fully encircle your little finger, when this is grasped.
A preterm baby's head often looks elongated and thin. This is normal and as the child grows into preschool years, their head shape will become rounder. Their bodies are usually covered with a fine layer of downy hair (called 'lanugo'), which will gradually disappear over time.
Preterm babies are often born covered with thick, white, greasy cream (called 'vernix'). This protects their skin in their watery environment in the uterus and is slowly absorbed into their skin over the first couple of days after the birth.
Preterm babies look very delicate but try not to let this stop you from touching them as much as possible. As their parents they need your physical contact and the love and care your connection with them can convey. Ask your caregivers about your baby, how they look and ways in which you can interact with them (in amongst all the equipment that is often attached to or surrounding them). You can read more about interacting with your preterm baby and find detailed information about the equipment used in
Intensive Care Nurseries.