What do you get for a baby who makes an early entrance?

When babies come into the world early, their parents are not always prepared.

Sebestian Lopez arrived at 35 weeks. Five weeks ahead of schedule.

Thanks to the generosity of March of Dimes and local non-profit Made for a Miracle, he and all the other babies in the NICU at Desert Regional Medical Center got a little Christmas present Friday.

“I really appreciate (the gift). At least he has something,” says his mother.

Babies received “scent-bonding blankets” so they could smell and be comforted by their parents when incubated or not in a loved one’s arms. Parents also received candy and stickers printed with “Baby’s First Christmas.”

The goal is to bring encouragement and joy to parents of preemies and celebrate the lives brought into the world during this special time of year.

“To be a support system. Someone that’s been through there,” explains Bianca Sustaita, NICU Ambassador with March of Dimes at DRMC, and Made for a Miracle. “Your family doesn’t what you’re going through until you go through it personally.”

The groups also hope to provide financial support for the families of local NICU babies, who come from as far away as Blythe, and have to pay for hotels or gas in order to be with their little bundles of joy.

“We know its one of the most precious times and the babies because its their first Christmas and to spend it in the NICU…it’s devastating,” says Angelina Castleberry, a former NICU mom, whose twins were born at 31 weeks gestation.

Learn more about how to help Made for a Miracle.

Contact March of Dimes.