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Preparing to Go Home

The excitement of your baby coming home may be overshadowed by the fear/anxiety of looking after your baby.  Feeling unsure about your ability to provide for your baby or to recognize and manage any health problems that may occur is normal.  Our team will support you in transitioning your baby home and help you feel comfortable in the care you will be providing.

During your NICU stay you will:

  • be involved in your baby’s care from the start of your stay as part of our integrated model of care
  • learn to give a bath and change diapers and clothing
  • feed your baby and learn how s/he feeds and burps
  • learn how to give oral medication
  • learn ways to comfort or settle him/her
  • understand his/her cues for hunger, of being over stimulated or tired
  • understand signs and symptoms of illness
  • learn to feel comfortable positioning and handling your baby
  • learn about any specific care your baby may need at home

Here are some steps you should take to prepare for your baby going home:

This course is offered to parents at Mount Sinai Hospital. We recommend that you take this course when your baby is between  33 to 35 weeks gestation. This will help you in feeling better equipped in an emergency, know how to decrease risks and develop confidence in taking your baby home. Even once you are discharged you are still able to take this class.

When an interpreter is required, a family can receive an Infant Safety course on an individual basis.

For questions, upcoming dates or to register, contact Janet Narciso, NICU Parent Resource Nurse at 416-586-4800 ext. 8679 or email [email protected].

Taking a certified Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course is strongly recommended - one should be available in your neighbourhood. To find a course, you can contact St. John Ambulance: 416-967-4244 or  Canadian Red Cross Society: 416-480-2500. 8hrs

Consider some of the safety classes offered at Mount Sinai Hospital

  • Your family doctor may be 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 NICU team can also help you in this process if you are having difficulty identifying a community physician.
  • It is important to choose a doctor before your baby is discharged. Give the name to your baby's nurse or physician as soon as possible.

When your baby is travelling in a vehicle they should always be in an appropriate car seat. Please see the links below and speak with your baby’s nurse.