Ages & Stages

What Will I Need to Care for My Baby at Home After NICU Discharge?

Before bringing your preemie home from the hospital, talk with their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team about keeping your baby healthy and safe at home. In addition to basic supplies, for example, it's important to have a safe sleep space for all naps and at night. You can also ask anyone who will come into contact with your baby to get up-to-date on vaccinations for illnesses such as the flu, COVID-19 and whooping cough (pertussis). Learn more in this video.

More information

When Can My Premature Baby Leave the Hospital?
How Should I Feed My Premature Baby?
How Can I Find Suppport Caring for My Baby at Home After Leaving the NICU?
What Kind of Follow-Up Care Will My Baby Need After NICU Discharge?
How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe
Ask the Pediatrician: My partner and I got COVID-19 vaccines while I was pregnant, but is it safe for our newborn to be around unvaccinated people?

Last Updated: 1/27/2023

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.