Post-Discharge FAQs
Congratulations on taking your baby home. Here are answers to some questions that are commonly asked by parents of NICU graduates:
What are the most common reasons to take my baby to the pediatrician or the emergency room?
At any time in the first month, you should take your infant to the pediatrician or emergency room for the following:
- Dehydration – your baby should have 6-8 wet diapers per day.
- Feeding issues – when your baby doesn’t get enough calories to gain weight and grow.
- Fever – a rectal temperature of over 100.3 degrees.
Always call your pediatrician with questions or concerns about your baby.
Most common reasons for readmission to the hospital:
- Respiratory issues.
- GI (stomach) issues.
What can I do to help keep my baby healthy?
Expect to live quietly with your infant at first. Their immune systems (especially those of premature infants) are still developing, and they are at risk for infections.
- Limit visits from friends and family.
- Practice good hand-washing habits for all individuals in contact with your infant.
- Avoid public places with premature infants.
- Always keep your infant’s immunizations current.
How often does my baby need to eat, and how can I tell if he’s getting enough breast milk or formula?
- Feed your infant about eight times a day.
- Monitor for voiding and stooling patterns, and if they change, discuss with your pediatrician. Infants usually have 6-8 or more wet diapers a day and usually stool at least once a day. Breastfed babies stool more often.
How can I stay connected and supported after discharge?
Ask to join our Facebook group: CHKD Post-NICU Support Group. This group is run entirely by parents of NICU grads, and it is a great place to receive support and non-medical advice. You will also learn about the NICU reunion and other NICU events and happenings on this page.
What safe sleep advice do you have to help prevent choking, suffocation, or sudden unexpected infant death (SUID)?
- Always put your baby to sleep on their back in an empty crib. Do not co-sleep with your baby. Remember, front to play and back to sleep.
- Do not use sleep positioners.
- Do not let your baby sleep in a car seat, swing, or stroller. If your baby falls asleep in one of these items, move her to her crib to prevent suffocation.
- Don’t let your baby sleep on soft surfaces, such as sofas, cushions, or pillows.
- Be sure the crib does not contain any toys, stuffed animals, pillows, crib bumpers, or loose blankets or comforters. This helps prevent suffocation and SUID.
- Learn more about the updated safe sleep guidelines.
I really enjoyed skin to skin care in the NICU. Is my baby too big to do skin to skin once we go home?
You can still practice skin to skin care at home. In a warm room in your home, dress your infant in only a diaper, then place the baby on your chest and turn your baby’s head to one side so that the baby’s ear is against your heart. This enhances bonding and promotes health and breastfeeding success
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
Reviewed on: 6/2024