Preemie parents : 9 great places to shop for teeny, tiny sizes

Giving birth early and having to come to terms with having a premature baby is an overwhelming and emotional time for any parent.

It can be hard to think about all the practical things when you are just living moment to moment. One of the issues that many premie parents face is trying to find clothes for their teeny, tiny little babies. Very tiny babies need special clothing for ICU (intensive care units), which allow for wires and have easier access to make dressing delicate little bodies less stressful. Premature babies who are out of the NICU but still not at the average birth weight of normal newborns can also be a struggle to buy for, which is why we have rounded up nine great stores and specialist websites which all stock baby clothes in premature sizes, as well as other helpful items for premature babies like bedding and even nappies. 1. Marks & Spencer You'll find a section on the M&S website dedicated to clothes for premies, with a 10-piece premature set including babygro, sleepsuits, hats and mittens costing just €37.25. 2. Itsy Bitsy Butterflies This online Irish store specializes in premature baby and children’s clothing and accessories. Their premature baby range starts from 1-2Lb all the way up to newborn baby. 3. Teddy & Me A great selection of clothes from the very smallest size through to clothes for ICU, and a lovely range of Cuski comforters, made especially for tiny babies to help encourage bonding with their parents. 4. Mothercare Mothercare.ie stocks a selection of premature baby clothes that were designed in conjunction with neonatal care units, ensuring only the best for your little one. For instance, these babygros have the label on the outside, so it won't irritate baby's delicate skin , and the bodysuit folds out flat with arm and gusset openings for simple changing and dressing.   5. Littlewoods Although not a huge selection, Littlewoods stock a few baby essentials with a "mini" size for babies under 5lbs. 6. Name It Good selection of lovely cotton clothing for premies at great prices. 7. Baby Prem UK-based online store specializing in clothes for premature babies. They have a special section for NICU clothing too. 8. John Lewis This UK high street favourite has key newborn basics in Early Baby (up to 5lb) plus a wider range in Tiny Baby size (up to 7lb). The designs are simple and neutral, with many items made from organic cotton. 9. Vertbaudet This French brand is great for quality cotton basics, and has a capsule collection of super-soft organic baby clothes for smaller babies from 4-5lb.