NEW RESOURCE ALERT: Supporting Siblings While Your Baby is in the NICU

"I have a vivid memory of watching my husband carry our sobbing three-year-old out of the hospital. She was protesting furiously because I was staying another night with her baby sisters instead of coming home with her."

Catriona Matthews shared this memory during a Preemie Chats presentation on supporting siblings during a NICU stay. Her experience is one many NICU families can relate to.

For families with children at home, a NICU admission can feel like being pulled in two directions at once.

Parents are focused on a baby receiving specialized care while also worrying about the children waiting at home. Siblings may not fully understand why routines have changed, why their parents are spending so much time at the hospital, or why their new baby brother or sister can't come home yet. They simply know that something is different.

Brothers and sisters may feel confused, worried, sad, jealous, left out, or even responsible for what is happening. These reactions are normal, but they can be difficult for families to navigate during an already stressful time.

That's why we’ve created a new infographic, Supporting Siblings While Your Baby is in the NICU, along with downloadable colouring pages designed especially for siblings.

These resources offer practical guidance on:

• Helping children understand the NICU experience

• Talking about difficult feelings in age-appropriate ways

• Preparing siblings for NICU visits

• Maintaining routines and connection

• Helping brothers and sisters feel included in their baby's journey

The infographic also reminds families that simple actions, such as sharing photos, encouraging questions, involving siblings in activities for the baby, and creating opportunities for one-on-one connection, can make a meaningful difference.

Because when a baby is in the NICU, the experience affects the entire family.