Taking care of an newborn, especially one that is in the NICU can be very stressful, don't be afraid, you will learn as you go and remember not to be afraid to ask questions!
While your infant is in the NICU you can still interact and slowly begin to perform cares as your infant improves. Here are some examples of things you could learn to do (depending on their needs):
Kangaroo Care- The art of placing your baby skin-to-skin against the chest of a person, usually mom or dad. This can help to keep a baby's heart rate and breathing rate more stable, improves the amount of oxygen in the baby's blood, helps control baby's temperature and blood sugar, decreases crying, promotes better breastfeeding and increases milk production, baby sleeps better which helps with brain development, improves bonding and helps babies handle uncomfortable events such as heel sticks.1
The video below shows how to provide Kangaroo Care with your NICU infant.
- Take your baby's temperature
- Care for your baby's skin
- Identify your baby's special cues, including hunger, fussiness, and diaper change time
- Change your baby's diaper
- Give your baby a bath
- Breast and/or bottle feed
- Kangaroo care
- Learn the signs and symptoms of illness
- Place your baby on his/her back 1
Kangaroo Care- The art of placing your baby skin-to-skin against the chest of a person, usually mom or dad. This can help to keep a baby's heart rate and breathing rate more stable, improves the amount of oxygen in the baby's blood, helps control baby's temperature and blood sugar, decreases crying, promotes better breastfeeding and increases milk production, baby sleeps better which helps with brain development, improves bonding and helps babies handle uncomfortable events such as heel sticks.1
The video below shows how to provide Kangaroo Care with your NICU infant.
![Picture](/uploads/5/1/7/9/51795373/6427928_orig.jpg)
Bathing Your Infant:
Your late preterm infant will receive a bath only after they are stable. They can do a sponge bath or a tub bath depending on the circumstances.
Some tips about bathing:
Your late preterm infant will receive a bath only after they are stable. They can do a sponge bath or a tub bath depending on the circumstances.
Some tips about bathing:
- Bathe every 2-3 days
- Use mid cleansers
- Use soft materials like a cotton cloth
- Be sure bath waters and room temperatures are warm (Water between 100-104 and room temperature 79-81 degrees Fahrenheit)1