Leaving the NICU: Next Steps & Resources
Bringing your baby home from the NICU is a moment filled with joy, anticipation, and a touch of nervousness. It marks the beginning of an incredible new chapter for your family. We know this transition can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. We are here to support you every step of the way, providing guidance, resources, and reassurance as you navigate life after the NICU. Your strength and love have already brought your baby so far, and together, we’ll help you feel confident and prepared for the journey ahead.
Q&A: Leaving the NICU – A Guide for Parents
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What is RSV?Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a virus that causes cold and flu-like illness. For most healthy adults, RSV might feel like a cold. But RSV in babies and young children can be more serious.
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How common is RSV in babies?RSV is very common in babies and children. Almost all babies and children will have had an RSV infection by the time they are 2. RSV is most common in the fall and winter months.
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How do babies get RSV?The RSV virus spreads through droplets produced by coughs and sneezes. The most common way we get sick from RSV is by touching our nose, eyes and mouth with germs on our hands. RSV can live on surfaces for many hours. Premature babies are especially at risk of RSV because they have trouble fighting infections.
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Can I prevent my baby from getting RSV?Most babies and young children will get RSV sometime during the first two years of life. It is important to protect all babies, especially premature babies, from RSV as best we can during their first winter. Here are some ways you can help prevent your baby from getting RSV: Always wash your hands with soap and water before you touch your baby. Wash your hands after you blow your nose, sneeze, or cough. Do not smoke or let others smoke around your baby or in your home. Keep your baby away from anyone who is sick. If you are sick, do not kiss your baby. Keep your baby away from crowded places such as daycare centers, shopping malls, and large family gatherings. Ask your healthcare provider if your baby should get RSV prevention medicine
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How sick can my baby get from RSV?RSV will cause a bad cold for most babies. Some babies will get very sick from RSV. Babies born very prematurely, with breathing problems, certain heart problems or other medical conditions, are at the highest risk of getting very sick. RSV can cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis, serious lung and airway complications. If this happens, most babies need to be admitted to the hospital, and some need oxygen or breathing help.
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What are the signs and symptoms of RSV in babies?Some babies with RSV will only have cold symptoms like a runny nose. Other symptoms of RSV include: Fever Cough Problems with breathing (fast breathing or working hard to breathe) Whistling or wheezing noise when breathing Trouble feeding
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What should I do if my baby gets sick with a cold?Always call your baby's healthcare provider if your baby seems sick, is not eating well, is irritable, and has a runny nose If your baby has a fever or a cough, go to the hospital If your baby looks blue, has difficulty breathing, or stops breathing, call 911
If you have additional questions or concerns, reach out to your NICU team—they are there to help guide you through this transition!
In collaboration with parents, we have created a letter to download, adapt and share with your family and friends. The letter is helpful in explaining to everyone why you are being extra careful when you bring your preemie home.
Dear Family & Friends,
We are so excited to announce that soon we will be bringing our preemie home, and we know you share in our excitement.
Though we are leaving the NICU, we will be bringing home many of the practices and habits that we learned there. Our medical team has told us that we must be very careful in the weeks and months ahead, since we want to protect our child’s health and development. Illnesses that are minor irritants for term children can send preemies back to the hospital, which is something we all want to avoid. The way we care for our child may seem different than what you are used to or what you may have done with your children, but our actions are based on medical advice that is specific to our child and family. We appreciate your support, acceptance and understanding.
We will be following our doctor’s advice about limiting visitors over the next few months. Big events with many people are not suitable for a vulnerable preemie, so it is much easier for us to visit in small groups or to host a single visitor.
If we are able to have you over, please ensure the following:
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Please be completely healthy. If you have a cold (even a minor one) or think you might be getting ill, please postpone the visit to a later date. If you are not sure, please ask us, and please don’t be offended if we suggest postponement.
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Please wash your hands upon entering our home, and please be thoughtful about hand hygiene during your visit.
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Please do not smoke before or during a visit with us.
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We will be following our doctor’s recommendations regarding vaccinating and medicating our child and our family, and we would appreciate it if you would support us in this. We also encourage you to make sure your immunizations (including the flu shot) are up-to-date.
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We are following very specific guidelines related to feeding our baby, and also following standard safe sleep guidelines. If you are helping us care for our baby, please follow these guidelines as well.
We greatly appreciate your understanding and your help. We are also grateful for the support you showed us during our NICU stay, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
