The NICU can look and sound different from a regular hospital room. There may be monitors, soft alarms and special equipment. As a new parent, it’s normal to feel unsure about what everything means inside the NICU.
Annmarie Golioto, MD, Medical Director of the NICU at Connecticut Children’s, share this helpful care guide.
The First Hours
If your baby is born early or needs extra help, a neonatal team will be ready at delivery.
They may:
- Help your baby breathe and provide oxygen if needed
- Check the baby’s heart beat
- Place your baby under a warmer or in an incubator to stay warm
- Bring your baby to the NICU for close monitoring
As soon as the baby is stabilized, parents can see and connect with their baby right in the NICU. Connecticut Children’s Level IV NICU at Hartford Hospital is just one floor away from Labor and Delivery and NICU 6 in Children’s Medical Center has fully private, spacious rooms with the option for parents to room overnight.
What the Equipment Does
NICU rooms often include machines and monitors—and they beep, a lot. These tools help the care team watch your baby closely, even when they are not right at bedside.
You may see:
- Heart, breathing and blood pressure monitors
- Oxygen tubing or a breathing machine
- IV lines for nutrition fluids or medicine
- Feeding tubes to help the baby get their milk
>>Related: Learn about Connecticut Children's approach to feeding in the NICU
The equipment may look and even sound intimidating, but it is there to support your baby as they grow stronger. The nursing and medical teams can explain what each device does and answer your questions at any time.
Your Newborn Baby's Care Team in Connecticut Children's NICU
Many specialists work together in the NICU, including:
- Neonatologists (pediatric doctors with extra training for newborn intensive care)
- Nurses trained in newborn intensive care
- Advanced practice providers including neonatal nurse practitioners and physician assistants
- Respiratory, occupational, physical and speech therapists
- Lactation consultants and registered dietitians
- Pediatric surgeons and pediatric medical subspecialists
- Social workers and psychologists
Each member has a role in helping your baby heal and grow.
You can ask questions, attend rounds and share your concerns. Your voice matters.
How Parents Can Be Involved
Even in the NICU, there are many ways to bond with your baby.
You may be able to:
- Hold your baby skin-to-skin (also called kangaroo care)
- Take part in diaper changes, feeding and bathing
- Read or talk softly to your baby
- Help with comforting routines
- Provide pumped milk for your baby’s feeds and breastfeeding
These moments help build confidence and strengthen your bond.
Milestones Toward Going Home from the NICU
Every baby’s journey is different. There is no set timeline.
Before discharge, most babies need to:
- Breathe comfortably without extra support
- Maintain body temperature in a bassinette
- Feed well and show steady weight gain
- Be safe to sit in a car seat
Your care team will keep you updated on progress and help you prepare for the transition home.
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Support for NICU Families at Connecticut Children's
Having a baby in the NICU can bring many emotions. It is normal to feel hopeful one moment and worried the next.
Support services may include:
• Social workers
• Parent support groups
• Psychology
• Lactation support
• Follow-up programs after discharge. Connecticut Children's offers a neonatal follow-up program for those who qualify.
You do not have to go through this alone.
A Final Word
The NICU is a place of healing and growth. While the journey may feel uncertain at first, the goal is always the same: to help your baby get stronger and go home with you.
If you have questions, ask. If you need reassurance, say so. Your care team is there not only for your baby, but for you as well.