Parenting in the NICU

Learning how to be a parent in the NICU can be overwhelming and stressful. Remember that everyone on the care team can help you in many small ways.

Your role as a parent is key to the development and comfort of your  baby. You will get to know your baby the best.  When you learn something new, write it down and share the information with their other caregivers.

In our NICU, we use a model of care called "Family Integrated Care" or FICare. With this, parents are one of the most important members of our care team. We will encourage you to be involved in every aspect of your child's care, including participating in their medical care, team rounds, feeding, diaper changes, and much more.   

  • Your baby needs you even when they can’t show it. If your baby is too sick at first, or not ready to be held, you can sit quietly beside them or talk or sing quietly to them.
  • When they are ready, you can touch your baby gently but firmly. They usually don’t enjoy stroking or rubbing, as it may be too much stimulation. 
  • By helping your baby be calm and restful, you can help them save up their energy for growing and developing. Until they are able to comfort themselves, they may need your help.
  • Things you can do to help them are:
    • Put your still hands on their body to help them feel secure.
    • Cover the top of their incubator with a blanket. This protects them from light and noise.
    • Let them hold your finger or a blanket.
    • Shade their eyes from the bright light.
    • When you feel ready, you can help comfort your baby during procedures (for example, when they need an intravenous line or their breathing tube re-taped).
    • Your gentle touch along with swaddling or holding them in a tucked position may help your baby cope. Talk with their other caregivers about when they might be ready for this.

To be able to support your baby as much as possible, you also need to make sure you are taking care of yourself. This means getting as much rest and sleep as you can, eating and drinking regularly, and finding some time for yourself during this very stressful time. The healthcare team provides round the clock care so when you return they can update you with anything that might have happened while you were away. 

Reference: B.C. Children's Hospital. (1998). Baby Talk: Supporting My Development. 

Photo: (Karen Abeyasekere, U.S. Air Force, Public Domain)