Baby Theodore Alfred heads home after whirlwind few weeks in Caboolture Neonatal Unit

Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached South-East Queensland, one local family found themselves balancing the joy of welcoming home a newborn with the looming uncertainty of a natural disaster.

Baby Theodore Alfred, affectionately known as “Teddy,” was discharged from Caboolture Hospital just days before the cyclone was set to hit the region.

Theodore was born on Australia Day, 26 January, at 31 weeks and 6 days gestation, a preterm birth that saw him spending over five weeks in the Neonatal Unit.

Born with some breathing and heart issues, Theodore, thanks to the dedicated care of the medical staff, eventually grew strong enough to go home.

Mum Kaytlin, Dad Aarin and older sisters Allison, 13, and Isabella, 15, based in Burpengary, were thankfully not in a flood zone – but they still faced the uncertainty of whether they would be able to bring their newborn home safely ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

“We were going back and forth for days, not sure whether we should take him home or stay in the hospital. We were assured we could stay if the cyclone hit, but we really wanted to get him home beforehand,” Kaytlin said.

Theodore’s middle name, Alfred, aptly a nod to the whirlwind of his first few weeks on earth  – carries deep sentimental meaning and was pre-planned long before the weather event.

“It’s Aarin’s grandfather’s middle name and also his uncle’s middle name, who is also Teddy’s godfather,” Kaytlin said.

“We kept the name a secret until we asked Aarin’s uncle to be Teddy’s godfather. He was incredibly emotional when we told him, and it took him a minute to realise that the name was a tribute to him.”

The storm meant the family navigated the balance between bringing their newborn home and preparing for the cyclone.

While Aarin focused on securing the house and getting supplies, Kaytlin worked on finalising Theodore’s discharge.

As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached, Theodore Alfred’s proud parents were confident that they were ready to face whatever came next with their son now by their side.

“We call him Teddy, or sometimes my mum calls him ‘Theo-dorable’ – he’s already making everyone fall in love with him,” Kaytlin added.