Your baby's vision and hearing
Crossed eyes are more common in premature babies than in full-term babies. The medical word for this is strabismus (say this: "straw-biz-mas"). Often, this problem goes away on its own as your baby grows up. Your doctor may want you to take your baby to an eye doctor if your baby has this problem.Some premature babies have an eye disease called retinopathy of prematurity (called ROP, for short). ROP usually only occurs in babies who are born very early, at 32 weeks of pregnancy or earlier. If there's a chance your baby has ROP, your doctor will advise you to take the baby for regular check-ups by an eye doctor. ROP can be treated to help prevent vision loss.
Premature babies are also more likely than full-term babies to have hearing problems. If you notice that your baby doesn't seem to hear you, tell your doctor so your baby can be checked for hearing problems. You can check your baby's hearing by making noises behind or to the side of the baby. If your baby doesn't turn his or her head, or jump at a loud noise, you should tell your doctor.
Your baby's immunizations
Immunizations ("shots") are given to premature babies at the same ages they are given to full-term babies. Your baby might be helped by getting a flu shot when she or he reaches 6 months of age. Premature babies might get sicker with the flu than full-term babies. Talk with your doctor about flu shots for your family. This can help protect your baby from catching the flu from someone in the family. See more about babies getting sick from bottle feeding.Traveling in a car with your baby
When traveling with your baby in a car, use an infant car seat (or another kind of infant carrier, if your doctor advises). Be sure that your baby's head and body don't slump over when he or she is in the car seat. You can use rolled-up towels or diapers to give your baby support in the car seat.The safest place for all babies is to ride in the back seat. It's especially important not to put your baby in the front seat if your car has an air bag on the passenger's side. When you're driving in the car with your baby, keep an eye on your baby by looking at him or her in your rear-view mirror (of course you still need to concentrate on your driving aswell). Or you can have a friend or family member ride in the back seat with your baby. If you're using an apnea monitor for your baby, it should be used even while your baby is riding in the car. Your baby shouldn't be left alone in the car, not even for a few minutes.
(published with permission in writing from:http://www.baby-parenting.co.uk/baby/premature_baby.html)
