What follow-up care is necessary for infants discharged from the neonatal unit after preterm birth?

Follow-up care for infants discharged from the neonatal unit after preterm birth includes providing tailored information and support to parents or carers about ongoing developmental needs, routine postnatal care, and available services, including screening and surveillance for developmental problems ¹.

Discharge planning should involve a clear discharge plan shared with parents and healthcare teams, covering risks, care instructions, and support options ¹.

Parents and carers should be supported to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to care for their baby at home, including managing feeding, sleep, and interaction ¹.

Healthcare professionals in the community should have the skills to recognise and manage problems such as feeding difficulties, sleep concerns, and developmental interactions ¹.

Children should undergo developmental surveillance and screening, with additional support if needed, and be monitored for conditions such as cerebral palsy, sensory impairments, and developmental disorders, with assessments at 2 and 4 years ¹.

Parents should be advised to contact their health visitor or GP if they have concerns about their child's development at any stage ¹.