When can my baby go home?

For the last few months, you have been coping with your baby's medical problems and hospitalization, so it may be difficult to imagine that your baby will ever be healthy enough to go home.

At Mount Sinai Hospital, your baby will be ready for discharge when he or she:

• is able to maintain his/her temperature in an open crib (cot);
• is maintaining a regular heart and respiratory rate and is free from apneas and bradycardias (spells); and
• is feeding from your breast or bottle and gaining weight.

For more information, please see the Transfer/Discharge page.

What can I do to get ready to take my baby home?

1. Take a CPR (Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation) Course 
   Learn baby cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This is appropriate for all parents who have an infant in the NICU and Level 2. This course is offered to parents every three weeks at Mount Sinai Hospital. You are strongly encouraged to register for this course.
   
   Information is available in your parent group pamphlet, or speak to your baby's nurse. You can also register for community CPR courses in your neighbourhood.
    
   
2. Choosing a doctor for your baby:
   
   • Your family doctor may be quite comfortable taking care of your baby and consulting with a paediatrician when necessary.
   • Your family doctor may suggest a paediatrician. If so, ask him/her for a recommendation or ask friends who have had positive experiences.
   • The nurses in the NICU/Level 2 also have a list of paediatricians.
   • You are encouraged to "interview" a few paediatricians before making a final decision.
   • It is important to choose a doctor before your baby is discharged. Give the name to your baby's nurse as soon as possible.
      
3. Buy a car seat
   To ensure you have the correct car seat for your infant please read the "Safe Transportation Of Premature and Small Infants"  (368 KB pdf ) handout from the Safety & Toddler Association. This information sheet is also available in your Parent Information Binder or ask your baby's nurse.
    
   
4. Preparation at home
   
   • Painting and decorating of the baby's room (if needed) should be done as soon as possible.
   • Purchasing a car seat, a crib, clothing, diapers and bottles are all things that can be done early on and are best not left to the last minute.

For more information, please visit the Resources (Taking Care of Baby) section of this website.

How can I keep my baby healthy at home?

To prevent the spread of viruses:

• Avoid having people with colds come in close contact with your baby
• It is important that you (and others) always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your baby
• Remember, smoking around your baby is harmful
• Keep your baby away from crowds

For more information, please visit the Resources (Keeping Baby Healthy) page.

What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a virus affecting the lungs. When you catch RSV, it is like having a cold or flu with a runny nose, cough and fever. Most babies will catch colds caused by RSV before they are 3-years old. For more information on RSV, see www.rsvshield.ca/.

How do I keep in touch with loved ones while my baby is in hospital?

The Mount Sinai Hospital (MSH) Care Pages is a free service for you to stay in touch with loved ones using the Internet. You can access the service in our parent lounge (Room 703) by using a dedicated computer to access the service. You can set up a personal, secure web page for to keep family or friends up to date. Visit the MSH Care Pages area for more information.