Wash hands
Wash hands before touching your baby.
UK edition | September 2026
Preterm Lung Health Research
A clinical trial for babies born very prematurelyParent health information
Keeping your premature baby well after going home
A Guide to Chest Infections
Most babies do well. Babies born prematurely can sometimes become more unwell with respiratory infections because their lungs and immune system are still developing. This resource explains how to reduce risk, what RSV protection is available, what to do if your baby becomes unwell, and when to get help.
UK edition | September 2026
for all families after neonatal care
1 — Why infections can matter more
Why can infections matter more after premature birth?
When a baby is born early, there has been less time for the lungs and immune system to develop before birth. Some premature babies also have bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or need oxygen or breathing support.
What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is a viral infection of the small airways. It often begins with a blocked or runny nose and cough, then some babies develop faster breathing, wheeze, reduced feeding or tiredness.
2 — Reducing risk
How can we reduce the risk of infection?
It is impossible to prevent every infection, and families do not need to isolate their baby completely. Practical, consistent steps can help.
Wait until visitors are well
Ask unwell visitors to wait until they are better.
Keep air smoke-free
Keep your baby’s home and car smoke-free and vape-free.
Routine immunisations
Keep routine childhood immunisations up to date.
Breast milk where possible
Breast milk provides antibodies and other immune factors.
Seasonal precautions
Ask your neonatal or community team whether extra precautions are sensible during periods of high virus circulation.
3 — Protection against RSV
RSV is common, but can cause serious illness in young babies.
RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a very common virus. For many children it causes a cold-like illness, but in young babies it can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Premature babies and babies with lung, heart or immune problems have a higher risk of severe disease.
How protection is provided
Maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy helps antibodies cross the placenta and protect the baby after birth.
Long-acting RSV monoclonal antibody protection may be offered to eligible babies, particularly very premature babies born before 32 weeks during or just before their first RSV season.
These approaches reduce the risk of severe RSV disease but do not prevent every RSV infection. Eligibility and guidance can change, so ask your neonatal or paediatric team what applies to your baby.
4 — Caring for your baby
My baby has a cough or cold – what should I do?
Most respiratory infections get better with time and can usually be managed at home.
- Offer usual milk. Smaller, more frequent feeds may be easier.
- Help a blocked nose. Saline nose drops may help.
- Keep checking breathing, feeding, alertness and wet nappies.
- Baby under 3 months? A temperature of 38°C or higher needs urgent medical advice.
5 — When should I get help?
Use the words, signs and action icons—not colour alone.
Premature babies can become unwell quickly. If you are worried or feel something is wrong, seek advice.
GREEN — USUALLY MANAGE AT HOME
Continue care and observation
- Baby is comfortable
- Breathing normally for them
- Feeding reasonably
- Alert or behaving normally
- Having usual wet nappies
Keep watching your baby and move to the amber advice if symptoms worsen or you become worried.
AMBER — SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE TODAY
Contact a clinical service
- Breathing is becoming harder or faster
- Feeding is much less than usual
- No wet nappy for 12 hours
- Symptoms are worsening
- You are worried
Contact your GP, neonatal/community neonatal team or NHS 111.
Visit NHS 111 online ↗RED — URGENT / EMERGENCY HELP
Call 999 or seek emergency care
- Pauses in breathing
- Blue or grey lips, tongue or skin
- Severe breathing difficulty
- Baby is floppy, exhausted or difficult to wake
Call 999 or seek emergency care immediately.
Baby under 3 months?A temperature of 38°C or higher needs urgent medical advice.
6 — Help, trusted information and research
Where to get help
Neonatal or community neonatal team
Use the contact details your local team gave you after discharge.
GP
Contact your GP surgery for medical advice.
NHS 111
Use NHS 111 for urgent medical advice when it is not a 999 emergency.
999 / Emergency Department
Use emergency services for red warning signs or if your baby is seriously unwell.
Trusted information
Recommendations can change. These links go directly to current UK guidance and parent information.
NICE: Bronchiolitis in childrenDiagnosis, treatment and safety-netting guidance.↗NHS: BronchiolitisSymptoms, home care and when to seek urgent help.↗NHS: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)Current information for parents about RSV.↗NHS: RSV vaccinationCurrent information about RSV vaccination during pregnancy.↗UKHSA: RSV Green Book chapter 27aCurrent UK professional guidance on RSV immunisation.↗NHS: Childhood vaccinationsThe routine NHS vaccination schedule.↗BlissSupport and information for families of babies born premature or sick.↗
Research
Preventing respiratory illness after premature birth
Research studies such as the BALLOON Trial are investigating new ways of preventing respiratory illnesses after premature babies leave hospital.
Find out about the BALLOON Trial
Developed by the BALLOON Team
balloon-trial.uk
Downloads
Keep a copy or display the poster.
These resources are based on current UK guidance.
UK edition | Version 1 | September 2026 | Information checked against NICE, NHS, UKHSA and Bliss guidance.
Important information
This resource provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your baby’s healthcare team.
Recommendations for vaccination, RSV prevention, healthcare services and emergency contact numbers may change over time. This edition is based on UK guidance; versions used outside the UK require review and local adaptation.