After countless hours spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) waiting for your preemie baby to be strong and healthy enough to come home, you’ve gotten the green light. Now what? On one side you’re feeling an overwhelming amount of joy and pride for your little fighter. You can finally wrap them up in your arms and take them home where they belong. But on the flip side, you can’t help panicking a little bit. During their time in the NICU, they had around-the-clock supervision from NICU-trained health care professionals. Not to mention you’re lacking sleep from the extensive back-and-forth trips to the NICU while trying to manage your at-home life and recovery with this new NICU life you weren’t expecting.
Take a deep breath and know that it will all be okay. Most of the time you can’t prepare for having an infant in the NICU, so there’s no “correct” way to go about it — every child will have a different experience! Self-doubt is totally normal, even if this isn’t your first child. Here are a few things to know about bringing home your NICU baby that should help to ease some of the stress:
When can my baby go home from the NICU?
As previously mentioned, it's up to the discretion of the medical professionals on the NICU's care team to ultimately decide this. According to KidsHealth.org, the care team commonly checks for the following when determining if your child is fit to be discharged:
- Your baby is steadily gaining weight (some hospitals enforce a minimum weight requirement for discharge)
- Your baby is taking feedings by bottle or breast without supplemental tube feedings
- Your baby is maintaining their body temperature in an open crib for at least 24-48 hours
Here are some tips when preparing to come home with your little one after the NICU:
- Call your insurance company to make sure your child gets included in your policy. It's a good idea to keep your baby's medical/hospital records, insurance documents and financial statements in one organized place for easy access.
- Find a pediatrician who has experience with your child’s unique needs, establish if your baby requires any extra care needs and set up follow-up appointments. Don't stress! Oftentimes your baby's care team in the NICU can help to recommend a pediatrician.
- Look into taking an infant CPR course! Additionally, you will be trained by the NICU staff if your little one is returning home with any specialized equipment like an oxygen tank or feeding pump. Don't be afraid to ask questions to ensure you feel fully comfortable with these devices.
- Before leaving the hospital, practice properly installing your infant car seat — our car seat safety experts are always available to help! Evenflo consumers can schedule a video installation appointment with our certified car seat technicians at ParentLink. Additionally, you can find a local technician via the National Child Passenger Safety Certification website. The Shyft™ DualRide™ Infant Car Seat Stroller Combo fits the tiniest riders — infants as small as 3 lb and up to 35 lb, who measure from 15.7 in. to 32 in. Additionally, the LiteMax™ Infant Car Seat is approved for use beginning at 3 lb and 15.7 in. and adapts as they grow with 4 shoulder harness positions. Oftentimes the hospital staff will require you to bring your infant car seat in for an angle tolerance screening. This is a great time to check the fit of your infant in their car seat and contact your car seat manufacturer if you have any questions about fit or installation.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind during this both exciting and nerve-wracking time:
- It can be challenging to adjust to a new routine at home — that's okay and totally normal! The NICU is a very structured environment with set schedules and constant monitoring. It can be overwhelming to take over these responsibilities, but with the right support and guidance it can be manageable.
- One of the most important things to remember is that it's okay to ask for help. Whether family members, friends or professionals, having a strong support system can make all the difference. Communicate openly with your pediatrician when it comes to your baby's care, but also your own well-being!
- It's essential to prioritize self-care in your new routine at home. Taking care of a premature baby can be both physically and mentally demanding. Finding moments for rest and relaxation are integral during this time. It can be tough but asking your spouse or family and friends to watch your little one even for a 20-minute power nap can make a world of difference.
Bringing your baby home from the NICU is a big milestone to celebrate! Take in every little moment you have together because inevitably they grow up quickly. Believe in yourself and those around you who are willing to help with open arms! You will get through this tough transition together. With these things in mind, you’ll be setting the stage for a bright future with your little one.
If you or someone you know needs help during these difficult times of transition, reach out to the
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.
Call or Text 1-833-852-6262
In English and Spanish
24/7, Free, Confidential Hotline for Pregnant and New Moms.
Interpreter Services are available in 60 languages. (US Only)