In the NICU
We look forward to working with you and your family. You are encouraged to spend as much time with your baby as you wish any time day or night; you can phone at any time and as often as you need, especially if you are worried about your baby. Your bedside nurse is always available for your questions. Parents are essential caregivers, not visitors.
From the start, make it your goal to form a working relationship with the healthcare team; help us keep in touch with you. It is important that we know where you can be reached. Please make sure your contact number is up to date.
Participate in morning rounds. As a partner in your baby's care, you are welcome to participate in morning rounds at your baby's bedside. Rounds are when the medical staff come to the bedside to check on your baby's progress. Please ask the nurse or doctor to explain if you have any concerns about your baby's care. Feel free to write down your questions and the doctor's or nurse's answers.
Before entering the NICU, let staff know if you have signs of a cold, flu, or an infectious illness.
Clean your hands. Take off all rings, watches and jewelry before coming into the NICU. Clean your hands up to your elbows with soap and warm water or use alcohol foam hand rubs found at each bedside
Your baby's identification bracelet. Your baby should have it on at all times. If it is missing, please ask the nurse to get a new one. You may hear your nurse call this a posey.
Keep your baby safe. Ask staff for help when moving your baby from the cot, crib or overhead warmer. Always stay with your baby during weighing or bathing. Keep the side rails up and latched or incubator doors closed when not engaged with your baby.
Alarms and monitors. Allow the alarm on your baby's medical equipment to beep. This helps staff know to check your baby.
Safe sleep practices. Ask your baby's nurse about "safe sleep" practices that apply to your baby's developmental age.
