With World Prematurity Day coming up on Sunday, we chatted with Nicolle Grosskopf, owner of NESTLING—a brand dedicated to supporting premature babies and their families. From NICU challenges to redefining “preemie-friendly” products, she’s on a mission to ensure that every preemie mom feels seen, supported, and empowered. Join us as we explore her heartfelt story and celebrate the resilience of preemie families everywhere.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family.

I'm a mother of two boys with a BEd in Foundation Phase teaching, though I’m not currently teaching. I solo-parent frequently as my husband works abroad. I have a deep passion for children, teaching, and learning, which I bring into my work and life as a mom. I love the outdoors and spending time with my family, which brings balance and joy to my journey. My experiences as a mother, including a challenging pregnancy and a NICU stay with my first child, have greatly shaped who I am and how I connect with other moms through my business, NESTLING.

What inspired you to start a range specifically for premature babies, and how did your own experience as a mom of a preemie influence this decision?

The idea for NESTLING came from my own experience as a preemie mom. When I had my first child prematurely, I faced challenges I hadn't anticipated, from finding the right products to understanding his specific needs. I wanted to create a space that offered beautiful, practical products for mothers like me. NESTLING is my way of supporting preemie moms with locally sourced and handmade items designed for the comfort and well-being of both mother and baby.

Can you share some of the biggest challenges you faced as a mom of a premature baby, and how did those experiences shape the products you offer?

One of the biggest challenges was being prepared for the unexpected. Between the NICU stay, learning to care for a tiny baby, and adjusting to a new reality, I often felt isolated and overwhelmed. This experience influenced the products I chose to include in my product offering, including practical feeding tools and sensory items that ease a preemie's transition. Every product is designed to support the unique needs of preemie mothers and babies.

What are some common misconceptions about caring for premature babies that you'd like to address, especially from your perspective as both a mom and a business owner in this space?

A common misconception is that preemies are simply "smaller newborns," when in fact they often face unique developmental and health challenges requiring specialised care and tools. Many companies label products as "prem" or "preemie-friendly" without truly understanding preemies' specific needs, often overlooking essential design elements for their comfort and development. I ensure our products are carefully selected or crafted to genuinely support preemies' developmental needs. There's also the assumption that life returns to normal after the NICU, which isn’t true. I aim to raise awareness about preemies' unique needs and offer products that address these challenges.

What advice would you give to new moms who are navigating the journey of having a premature baby, and how can they best find the support they need?

My advice is to take it one day at a time and be gentle with yourself. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and to ask for help. Connect with other preemie moms through online communities or local support groups; having that support can make a big difference. My platform is here as both a resource and a support system for moms looking for products tailored to their unique journey.

What does World Prematurity Day mean to you personally?

World Prematurity Day is deeply personal for me, as it honours the journey my family and I experienced with premature birth. It brings back memories of our own challenges, from an unexpected early delivery to the long NICU days. This day highlights the resilience of preemie parents, the strength of these tiny fighters, and the incredible work of healthcare professionals who support us. For me, it’s a day to advocate for awareness, share support with other families, and celebrate the milestones of all babies who begin life so bravely.

Every year, Nicolle donates care packs to NICU wards in support of World Prematurity Day. Sprout has contributed Difrax Pinky Pacifiers and 1-2-3 XS teats to these care packs, and we commend Nicolle for the incredible work she does.

For more preemie tips, advice and product information, following Nicolle's page here.