Help with premature baby

Subiesu

Hi. Can anyone help me with finding any help, especially with heating costs, for when my niece brings home her premature baby. Came home for one night but rushed back in as she got very cold, despite heating being on. 

When she does come home, the heating will have to be on 24/7, and they aren’t in a financial position to do this. They don’t qualify for universal credit, as both work. Any information would be greatly appreciated. 

Spoonie_Turtle

Did they do a benefits calculation for Universal Credit before or after having the baby?

Child benefit of course, if they haven't already started the claim.

Talk to their energy supplier, tell them the situation.  The supplier may not be able to help financially but at least they will be aware the family are now vulnerable and need extra consideration if they start struggling with their bills.

There's this page, I don't know if any of it will be of any help but worth a look anyway https://www.bliss.org.uk/parents/support/financial-information-and-support-for-families

Subiesu

Spoonie_Turtle said:

Did they do a benefits calculation for Universal Credit before or after having the baby?

Child benefit of course, if they haven't already started the claim.

Talk to their energy supplier, tell them the situation.  The supplier may not be able to help financially but at least they will be aware the family are now vulnerable and need extra consideration if they start struggling with their bills.

Thank you. They haven’t done a calculation, earnings combined £40,000. I’ve already advised them to speak to their energy company and explain. 

I’ve taken the web details and will pass that along. 

Thank you 

kaMelo

How premature are we talking here?
Under normal circumstances babies don't need a room to be any warmer than adults, somewhere between 16-20 degrees Celsius is recommended. If the hospital feels they're fit and well to send home it would be unusual to still be so susceptible to cold. Maybe a couple of blankets with woolly hat and mittens would help and a small electric heater to keep one room warmer. There is certainly no need to heat the entire home 24/7

powerspowers

I agree with keeping one room warm. Check local council website to see if there is any help through household support fund- each area is different criteria though so might not. 

Subiesu

kaMelo said:

How premature are we talking here?
Under normal circumstances babies don't need a room to be any warmer than adults, somewhere between 16-20 degrees Celsius is recommended. If the hospital feels they're fit and well to send home it would be unusual to still be so susceptible to cold. Maybe a couple of blankets with woolly hat and mittens would help and a small electric heater to keep one room warmer. There is certainly no need to heat the entire home 24/7

Born at 30 weeks, but now 34 weeks. Whilst I said the heating would have to be on 24/7, I never said it would be the whole house. Already explained that only the room baby will be in needs heating. Plus, using blankets, hats etc. 
But even heating one room at a constant temperature will be expensive either way. 

Subiesu

powerspowers said:

I agree with keeping one room warm. Check local council website to see if there is any help through household support fund- each area is different criteria though so might not. 

Thanks I’ll look into that

whizzywoo

I've just googled the following term:  
"How to keep a premature baby warm at home UK"

Links to numerous websites in the UK came up, all seemed reputable and all had advice and help for keep tiny babies warm.

Subiesu

whizzywoo said:

I've just googled the following term:  
"How to keep a premature baby warm at home UK"

Links to numerous websites in the UK came up, all seemed reputable and all had advice and help for keep tiny babies warm.

Thank you I’ll give it a look 

Altior

How much are they thinking here, or do you estimate, for the additional heating costs for a couple of months due to the baby arriving, compared with what it would be costing with no baby?

I ask because this reads like it might be a perception thing. I can't imagine the reality is very significant in financial terms, and likely there won't be a material difference to the bills.

Mands

Altior said:

How much are they thinking here, or do you estimate, for the additional heating costs for a couple of months due to the baby arriving, compared with what it would be costing with no baby?

I ask because this reads like it might be a perception thing. I can't imagine the reality is very significant in financial terms, and likely there won't be a material difference to the bills.

Agreed. Also, it would be worth making family and friends aware. In these circumstances I'd much prefer to send some money towards the electricity bill then buy, yet more, baby clothes.