To decide if your baby is ready to go home, the NICU care team will make sure your baby: 

• Does not need hospital care anymore
• Can breathe on their own, sometimes with the help of oxygen
• Can stay warm on their own
• Is feeding enough and growing
• Has a minimum weight

If your baby continues to have feeding or breathing challenges or needs specialised support, they may still be ready to go home. The NICU care team will talk to you about your baby's needs, so you feel confident in their care. They will also help you arrange the necessary follow-up appointments.

If you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to speak with your healthcare team, they are happy to support you.

Your preterm baby may be ready to go home before their due date⍰, although some may need to stay until after their due date. If your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and there are no other problems, they might be ready to go home before their original due date.

If your baby was born full-term but with health complications and needed to be looked after in a neonatal unit, the timing for discharge will depend on how well they are doing and whether they need continued monitoring by the NICU care team. You will be able to meet with your baby's NICU care team as soon as it seems like your baby is ready to be discharged. Rest assured, the NICU care team will work with you to choose the best day for your baby to go home. 

It is important that you feel prepared to bring your baby home. Parents often feel anxious about leaving the neonatal unit. However, the NICU care team will work closely with you to make sure you feel ready to care for your baby independently.

If you feel unprepared or have any concerns, talk to your NICU care team. On a following page you can learn more about the medical support and other support available at home.