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Discharge of a Premature Baby from the Hospital
When Can a Premature Baby Go Home?
- If the baby maintains a normal temperature in an open crib without a heating pad (36–37 °C in the armpit).
- If the baby breathes independently without devices or breathes oxygen through nasal cannulas.
- If the baby has been breathing without “forgetting” (no apneic episodes) for at least 7 days before discharge and has not used medication to regulate breathing (caffeine) for at least 5 days before discharge.
- If the baby takes breast milk orally (breastfeeding, syringe, or bottle) and gains weight appropriately.
The above conditions are usually met by a late preterm newborn with an uncomplicated course of development around the 36th week.
For a more premature baby, expect discharge to occur later—usually around the originally planned due date.
We do not set a standard minimum weight for the discharge of a prematurely born baby. The correct timing for discharge can also be guided by weight criteria for child car seats (min. 1.8 kg). The readiness of the family and a suitable home environment also play a role.