Taking Care of Your Baby

Each morning and evening, our clinical team visits (rounds) the nursery to review and discuss the condition and plan of care for each baby:

  • Morning rounds begin at 9:30 am. These rounds are held at each baby's bedside and move through the nursery.
  • Evening rounds begin at 8:30 pm. These rounds are usually done by a smaller group of team members, and it's an update to ensure we are continuing the appropriate care plan.

We invite you to be part of rounds at your baby's bedside. Families are important to this team, and we welcome your questions and feedback.

We ask that only parents remain in the area during rounds to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of other families.

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ICN nurse checking baby

Who are the people caring for my baby?

There are many people with different jobs caring for your baby:

  • Developmental support staff
  • Neonatal nurse practitioners and Physician's Assistants
  • Nurses
  • Pediatric interns
  • Residents
  • Respiratory practitioners

We have a "Who is Who" display board in the hallway leading to the Intensive Care Nursery (ICN) with photos of many of these roles. There is also a pamphlet describing these roles.

What can I do as a parent?

You are an important member of your baby's care team! Talk to your nurse about some of the things you might like to learn how to do, such as:

  • Hold your baby! We want you to feel connected to your baby. There are different ways to hold your baby, including "Kangaroo Care" or "Skin-to-Skin" care. Your baby's nurse can help you decide what is best for your baby.
  • Changing your baby's diaper
  • Helping to feed or soothe your baby
  • Taking your baby's temperature

If you would like to dress your baby, talk to your nurse. Let your nurse know if you prefer to pick out your baby’s hats and outfits. This is a great way for you to become involved with the everyday care of your baby and it allows you and your baby to get to know each other.

Note: A baby that is in an incubator with humidity is not quite ready to wear clothes. Talk to your baby’s nurse about when your baby will be ready to wear that first outfit!

How else can I bond with my baby?

In the busy environment of the ICN, your baby needs something that only you can provide–your voice. Reading to your baby is a great way to bond with them.

  • Your welcome bag comes with a book for your baby.
  • We have a lending library of books that you can borrow to read to your baby.