MANA’s NICU Care Manager will help you and your family prepare to take your baby home. We want to make sure that the transition from the NICU to home is smooth and stress free. There is not a specific age or weight standard for discharge from the NICU. Instead, and in general, your baby must meet certain criteria to go home:
Maintain proper temperature control in an open crib
Breast or bottlefeed an adequate number of calories
Gain weight consistently
Have stable vital signs, free from apnea episodes and desaturation
Weigh more than 1,800 grams, and be able to safely ride in a car seat
Many premature babies attain these milestones approximately 2 – 4 weeks before their original ‘due date,’ but some babies may need to remain in the NICU longer. That is particularly true for babies born more than twelve weeks early (<28 weeks gestation) .
Before your baby is discharged home it is important that you get to know your baby and become comfortable caring for him or her. This may be as simple as spending time with your baby, but may also mean you must become more informed about your baby’s care. Don’t forget to request a copy of your baby’s discharge summary, it is important to take it along to your baby’s first visit to the pediatrician. Some other specific things you can do are:
Holding your baby
Soothing your baby
Changing your baby’s diaper and clothes
Feeding your baby
Bathing your baby
To administer medications and treatments at home
To use a car seat and positioning your baby in the car seat
The results of your infant’s routine screening tests, e.g. NJ metabolic screen, eye examination, hearing screen, head ultrasound
Infant CPR: The NICU secretary can help you schedule a class before your baby goes home.
If your baby is a boy, decide if you would like him circumcised. This should be scheduled ~1 week before discharge.
Inquire about immunizations and get a record of any that were administered during your baby’s NICU stay.
If your baby is going home on an apnea monitor: Complete monitor training and get a list of important contact numbers.
If your baby is going home on oxygen: Become familiar with the equipment, learn to secure the nasal cannula, and get a list of important contact numbers.
Select a pediatrician for your baby and schedule your baby’s first appointment.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO STAYING IN TOUCH WITH YOU!Please share your contact information before you and your baby leave the NICU. We would like to keep you informed of NICU events, e.g. the Annual NICU Alumni Picnic, and receive updates on your baby. You will be a part of our NICU family forever!
