Our NICU team is here to care for and support both you and your baby. We know this may be an unexpected and emotional time, and we will be with you every step of the way.

Visiting Your Baby

NICU access bands
To help keep your baby safe, the baby’s primary caregiver will receive a NICU access band in labor and delivery. The primary caregiver may choose one additional person to receive a matching access band. These bands are part of our security system and allow access to the NICU 24 hours a day. Please keep your access band on for your baby's entire NICU stay. The care team will check the band and matching band number when you enter the unit.

Your baby's name in the NICU
During your baby's NICU stay, your baby will be identified by the primary caregiver's last name. This may be different from the name that will appear on the birth certificate.

Visitor guidelines
To help keep the NICU quiet and comfortable for babies and families, only two visitors may be at the bedside at one time.

• Designated visitors: The baby's primary caregiver may choose up to four designated visitors who are age 16 or older. These visitors may visit without a primary access band holder present. Designated visitors will receive a gold NICU band, which must be worn at all times while in the NICU. For safety reasons, gold bands cannot be replaced, shared, transferred or used to bring in additional visitors. A photo ID is required to receive a gold band. Please note that designated visitors cannot receive medical information or updates about your baby.
• Other visitors: Visitors who are not designated visitors must be age 16 or older and must be accompanied by a primary access band holder.
• Siblings: Brothers and sisters are welcome to visit if they are 5 years or older. During sibling visits, up to three people may be at the bedside at one time. For example:
  • Two parents and one sibling
  • One parent and two siblings

Shift change
To support a safe handoff between care teams, only primary access band holders may visit during shift change, from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Help prevent infection
To protect all babies in the NICU:

• Wash and scrub your hands and arms from your fingertips to your elbows for at least 30 seconds before going to the bedside.
• Do not visit if you are sick or have symptoms such as:
  • Fever
  • Cold or flu-like symptoms
  • Diarrhea
  • Rash
  • Fever blisters
  • Any other infection
• Visitors with a fever of 100°F or higher may not visit until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.

Please note that visitor guidelines may change during times of increased community illness, such as RSV, flu or measles outbreaks.

Emergency care
If a baby in the NICU needs emergency care, we may ask visitors to step out of the unit or waiting area for a short time. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

What to Expect in the NICU

Care times
We encourage you to participate in your baby’s care. Ask your nurse about your baby’s care schedule. Care times are special times when you can interact with and bond with your baby. Between care times, babies need time to rest, heal and grow. Your baby's schedule may change based on their care needs.

As your baby grows stronger, we will help you learn how to hold, comfort and feed your baby. How often and how long you can hold your baby depends on their condition and what is safest and most comfortable for them.

To protect the privacy of all families, please stay at your baby's bedside and do not visit or ask about other babies in the NICU.

Getting updates about your baby
Please give us your best phone number and let us know if it changes. A member of your baby's care team will provide regular updates. The frequency of updates may vary based on your baby's condition and care needs. NICU providers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will contact you if there is an urgent change in your baby's condition.

You may call the NICU at any time, day or night. When you call, we will ask for the number on your NICU access band. To protect your baby's privacy, we can only share information with approved individuals.

Please understand that caring for your baby is our first priority. If we are providing care when you call, we may ask you to call back later. Whenever possible, please avoid calling during shift change:

• 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.
• 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Supporting your baby’s growth
Your baby needs plenty of rest to grow and heal. Creating a calm, quiet environment helps support your baby’s development and well-being.

Communication with your care team
We want you to feel informed and involved in your baby’s care. Please ask questions at any time. Our NICU team is here to provide information, answer questions and support your family.

If you have concerns, please let us know. We are committed to working together to provide the best care possible for your baby.

Our care team will treat you with kindness, respect and compassion. We ask that all families treat staff and one another with the same respect.

Using cell phones and other devices
To help prevent the spread of germs, please clean your phone before entering the NICU. Cleaning wipes and plastic bags are available at the front desk. Please keep phones and other devices on silent or vibrate.

For privacy and to maintain a quiet environment:

• Please take phone calls in the hallway, not at the bedside.
• Video calls, such as FaceTime, are not allowed in the NICU.
• Do not take photos or videos of staff without their permission.
• Do not take photos or videos of other babies, families or medical procedures.

For your baby’s safety, please do not use your phone while holding a baby who is on a breathing tube (incubated).  

Room changes
As babies grow and their care needs change, they may move to a different room or bed space within the NICU. This is normal and expected. We will do our best to notify you during business hours if your baby is moved.

Fragrances and smoking
Avoid wearing strong perfumes or lotions, as NICU babies are sensitive to smells. If you smoke or use tobacco products, please shower and change clothes before visiting. This helps protect your baby from smoke-related particles that can remain on clothing and skin.

Food and drinks
To help keep the NICU clean and safe, please enjoy meals and snacks outside of the unit. Covered drinks are allowed at your baby’s bedside.

Medical equipment
For your baby’s safety, please do not touch, adjust or turn off alarms, monitors or other medical equipment. If you have a concern, ask a member of your care team for help.

Family Resources

NICU cameras
We offer a secure camera service that allows you to see your baby when you cannot be at the hospital. To protect privacy and support your baby’s care, cameras may be turned off during care times and medical procedures.

Family waiting room
Family and friends may use the waiting room while visiting the NICU. For safety reasons, children should not be left unattended in the waiting room.

Care transition support
Within the first few days of your baby's NICU stay, a care transition manager will meet with you. This team member may be a social worker or nurse case manager. They can help connect you with resources, answer questions and support your family's needs during and after your baby's hospital stay.

Parent support room
The parent support room is available when you need a break from the NICU. You are welcome to use the refrigerator and microwave. Please note that sleeping in this room is not allowed. Please see the front desk for the access code.

Pumping rooms
Private pumping rooms are available in the NICU and Milk Bank. You may store pumping supplies in the bottom drawer of your baby's bedside cart. You are also welcome to pump at your baby's bedside if you prefer.

Parking
Primary NICU access band holders may receive a parking sticker from the NICU front desk. Ask a staff member for assistance.