Getting ready to take your baby home from the neonatal unit is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. Without the constant support of the nurses and doctors, it is normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety⍰ about caring for your baby.

The NICU care team will help you prepare for this transition from early on in your stay. This includes involving you from the beginning in activities such as changing nappies (diapers), feeding, and having skin-to-skin time with your baby. Their goal is to help you feel confident in all aspects of your baby’s care. Be assured, your baby is being discharged because they are well enough, and the NICU care team believe in your ability to care for them.

Preparing for discharge

Some units provide a discharge management plan or checklist to make sure that you are prepared to take your baby home. Here are some items that might be included:

• Understanding of optimal feeding and growth development
• Information and support for breastfeeding, including where to ask for help
• How to sterilise bottles and prepare feeds if you are bottle-feeding
• Bathing your baby
• Understanding how to soothe and comfort your baby
• Following safer sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)⍰
• Monitoring and controlling your baby’s body temperature
• Recognising signs of sickness and knowing what to do if your baby becomes sick
• Giving your baby medication
• Using and ordering any necessary specialist equipment (e.g., nasogastric (NG) tube⍰, home oxygen), if needed
• Who to call and First Aid training⍰ in case of an emergency