C.M.
Hi SK,
Congrats on the birth of your son! My son was born at 33.5 weeks, and is now 19 months.
We differ in that mine was born in late autumn. However, I would bet your Pulmanologist would recommend the same. We were told not to take him anywhere for the first 2 months or so, and to LIMIT the number of interactions with others. What was stressed was no visits initially with small children (I'm sure it's an RSV issue as well as them being carriers of all kinds of icky things). Any person who holds your baby, including yourself, should wash hands prior to holding. I'm actually surprised your nurses seem so care-free. Noone in my NICU were that casual with their "release instructions". I'd check with the Drs.
The last place to take your baby during the first few months is church. I know, weird huh? But apparently church is the easiest place for viruses because people will take sick kids to church even when they would keep them home otherwise. Gosh, I think our son was 5 months old before we took him to church (we had him dedicated in the NICU).
I took my son on errands to store and stuff, but I kept him covered and when people tried to approach (and believe M., they will!) - interrupt them and ask them to not touch or uncover as he's a preemie. It was hard for M. initially to appear to be rude, but frankly you NEVER know when/if the last time their hands were washed or it they're even sick. Keep strangers away.
As far as gas, my son had it too and it would make him cry so hard. We were allowed to use Infant's Mylacon with every feeding. Ask your Dr. if you can as well. It worked like a dream. I think we used it for the first 6-8 months religiously.
I'm at SAHM so I'm not sure about daycare. That would be a question for your Pulminologist. Also, when taking your son to the Pedi for appts, keep sit away from others and keep him covered in the car seat.
Good luck!
(: