World Prematurity Day is a time for charities, health professionals, families and organisations around the world to come together to raise awareness of the 15 million babies born prematurely each year. 

World Prematurity Day

World Prematurity Day is celebrated each year on 17 November. Throughout the month and on this day, The Smallest Things will highlight the realities of neonatal intensive care and use the opportunity to shine a light on an otherwise hidden world and a journey that lasts long after you bring your baby home from hospital.

This year we have created a very special film, produced our third After NICU research report and brought together a special series of stories from parents.

Watch This is NICU - the real premature birth story
View After NICU Report 2025
Read our special series of filmstar stories

4 ways to support The Smallest Things this World Prematurity Day


1. GO PURPLE 
Change your social media profile pic to our World Prematurity Day logo (above) and share one of our Awareness images (above). Wear something purple or share a picture of your baby or child in purple. Let's turn our screens purple for the day! Big thanks to all our Employers with Heart and Prem Aware Schools/Settings for proudly sharing their special purple logos too. Don't forget to tag us and use #WorldPrematurityDay2025

2. SHARE THE FILM
Can you like and share our This is NICU film with your followers? Ask them to visit thesmallestthings.org for the full director's cut (and don't skip the credits). Spotted one of our special purple logos or been moved by one of our Filmstar blogs? Take a second to like and share with your followers on social media to help raise awareness. 

3. FUNDRAISE
Why not arrange a 'wear purple' day at work, school or other group, and ask participants to each donate £1? Or perhaps a cake sale, teddy tombola, coffee morning, preloved clothes swap or sponsored walk/run/ride/silence are more your thing? There are loads of ways you can raise vital money for us this month, and every penny really does count. If you're employed, check if your company offers 'matched giving' and you could double your total! 

4. DONATE
It only takes a minute or two to donate essential funds via our JustGiving page and just a few pounds can make a big impact:

  • £3 can buy 30 Red Book stickers, a visible reminder to healthcare professionals that a baby born prematurely might need more support. 
     

  • £13 covers the cost of printing 40 'Dads do NICU too' posters to send to neonatal units in the UK, helping 1,000s of dads and partners know they're not alone. 
     

  • £30 helps us present a school/setting with the Prem Aware Award or a business/organisation with our Employer with Heart charter mark. 

If you're a business owner or employee, please also consider nominating us as your 'Charity of the Year' or other charitable giving scheme. 

Donate or Fundraise for World Prematurity Day 2025