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NICU Parent Guide

A parent's guide to the NICU.

Healthy Baby Baby's Growth Staying Overnight Safety/Security Communication Visiting

Welcome to the NICU at ChristianaCare

You’re an important part of your baby’s care team, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Your room in the NICU is designed to help you stay close and take part in your baby's care. Please review the following information to help create a safe and healing environment.  

Keeping Your Baby Healthy

Why It Matters

Germs are everywhere—on phones, clothes, bags, and more. Because the NICU is an intensive care unit, we all need to do our part to keep it clean and germ-free.

To protect your baby from germs:

  • Wash your hands at the scrub sink before entering the NICU. Our staff will help you learn how.
  • Remove rings with stones, bracelets, and watches before scrubbing. Do not put them back on until after you leave the unit.
  • Wash or sanitize your hands before and after touching your baby or eating.
  • If someone forgets to sanitize, it’s okay to remind them.
  • Covered drinks are allowed in your baby’s room.
  • No food is allowed in the room. Please use the Ronald McDonald Room, family waiting room, main lobby, or café to eat.
  • Keep your items off the floor and stored in the cabinet.
  • Please don’t bring stuffed animals, balloons, flowers, or scented items into the NICU.

Supporting Your Baby’s Growth

You can help your baby grow and heal by talking, reading, singing, and holding them. Ask your nurse how you can be involved.

Please keep the room quiet. For things like lighting or other stimulation, check with your baby’s care team first. What’s best can change depending on your baby’s age and medical needs.

Staying Overnight

We’re glad to offer space for parents to stay overnight to support bonding and safe care.

We want everyone to feel safe and comfortable. Please:

  • Avoid swearing or inappropriate behavior.
  • Wear appropriate clothing.
  • No sexual activity.
  • Close the bathroom door when in use.
  • We’ll provide clean linens.
  • Bring only what you need for the night.
  • Fold and store linens in the cabinet when you’re done. Let us know if you need fresh ones.

Safety and Security

  • ChristianaCare has zero tolerance for aggressive or violent behavior.
  • No aggressive behavior, weapons, drugs, or alcohol are allowed.
  • Only enter your baby’s room.
  • The NICU is a locked and secure area. Everyone must be checked in before entering.
  • Please don’t hold the door open for others, even if they seem familiar.
  • Your baby’s safety is our top priority.
  • We always use two forms of ID when caring for your baby.
  • Our security system helps us monitor and protect every baby in the NICU.
  • Staff have several ways to keep an eye on your baby, even when they’re not in the room.
  • Please don’t fall asleep while holding your baby or doing skin-to-skin care—it’s important for their safety.
  • You’ll receive a visitor badge or sticker each day at the main entrance. Please wear it while in the NICU.
  • Keep your hospital ID band on until your baby is discharged. If it comes off, we’ll replace it for you.
  • All ChristianaCare staff wear ID badges.
  • NICU nurses and care team members have a yellow stripe on their badge. If someone doesn’t have a badge with a yellow stripe, do not hand your baby to them.
  • Only enter your baby’s room.
  • Please keep your valuables with you at all times. 
  • We're not able to replace or recover lost or stolen items. 

Communication and Updates

You’re Part of the Team

We value your questions and input. Please speak up if you have concerns.

  • Only parents can get updates by phone.
  • Use the number on your hospital ID band as your passcode.
  • Don’t share your passcode—it helps keep your baby’s information private and safe.
  • Nurses usually change shifts at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. You’re welcome to join the bedside shift report.
  • Visitors may be asked to step out during this time.
  • Your baby's doctors, nurses, pharmacist, and respiratory therapist meet each day between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to discuss your baby's care.
  • You’re encouraged to join and ask questions. If you cannot attend, someone from your care team will provide you with an update and answer any questions you may have.
  • Updates will be written on the whiteboard in your baby’s room.
  • Staff check on you and your baby often.
  • If your baby’s monitor or equipment alarms, the nurse is alerted right away—even if they’re not in the room.
  • Please don’t touch or silence any equipment.

We offer a secure camera so you can see your baby when you’re not here. We’ll explain how it works when you arrive.

Visiting the NICU

Visiting rules may change. We’ll go over the current guidelines with you when you arrive.

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