Supporting Baby in the NICU
Is your baby in the NICU? We understand that parenting journeys can take unexpected turns. The good news? Pathways.org offers resources to help you bond with your baby and support their development during this time.
Get a head start with expert tips on development in the NICU with the Pathways.org Baby Milestones App
“I downloaded Pathways as part of a developmental process soon after my son was graduated from the NICU. The app saved me a lot of time researching things on my own. I was happy to get the weekly email digest as well. The tips are timely and informative. I recommend the app and emails to all parents and caregivers.” – Parent
Download the app today!
Bonding With Baby in the NICU
How to Hold Baby in the NICU
Holding your new baby can help baby feel safe, secure, and loved. There are many ways you can safely hold NICU baby that help with bonding and development. Some holding positions include:
- Football Carry
- Hold and Follow
- Shoulder Carry
- Side Lying
Watch the video below to see them in action! Remember, every baby is different, and in the NICU their needs may vary. So always ask baby’s healthcare provider what is safe for them to do.
For more ways to bond with your baby in the NICU, click the links below.
- Learn ways to sit with baby and calm them in their crib.
Massage+ 30, 10, 5?
Massage+ 30, 10, 5 is a simple, quick, and powerful intervention using massage to help improve the health and development of baby. This is a massage of baby’s head, arms, legs, belly, and back, and also incorporates communication and movement.
How does Massage+ 30, 10, 5 benefit baby?
There are many benefits to this baby massage intervention, include improvements in:
- Baby’s sleeping and eating habits
- Baby’s sense of hearing, touch, sight, and motion
- Parent confidence levels
- Parent and child intimacy
- Parent and child communication
Become a Massage+ 30, 10, 5 expert!
Take our on-demand course, made for parents, to learn more about how to do the massage, cues you’re getting from baby, and more.
Massage + 30, 10, 5 After the NICU
You can continue to do Massage+ 30, 10, 5 every day at home with baby. This intervention is recommended for babies up to 1 year old. Here are some tips for doing Massage+ 30, 10, 5 at home:
- Allow enough time so you are not rushed
- Best to do in a dimly lit, quiet room
- Do the massage at the same time each day
- Give baby 100% of your attention
Tummy Time in the NICU
Tummy Time can begin as soon as baby comes home, and is one of a newborn baby’s first exercises—and the most important!
How can I do Tummy Time with baby in the NICU?
It’s recommended for all babies that they do Tummy Time as soon as they are born, but can baby do Tummy Time while in the NICU? Yes!
Having Tummy Time trouble?
Check out these alternate positions to help with Tummy Time.
Tummy Time After the NICU
Baby should continue to do Tummy Time until they start crawling! It helps with developing motor skills, core strength, and sensory skills. Try to achieve an hour of Tummy Time a day, broken up in small parts throughout the day.
Music Therapy Benefits for NICU Babies
For premature babies, music therapy has been beneficial in helping to reduce stress and pain, which is often linked to medical treatment in the neonatal intensive unit (NICU).
- Sensory skill development
- Better communication with their caregivers
- Improved cognitive abilities later in life
Activity after the NICUA great way to keep baby active is by playing Baby Games! Be sure to ask a healthcare provider if there are any modifications you need to make at home.
When you download the Pathways.org Baby Development App, you will get weekly games and videos that are perfect for your baby’s age and development.
How to Prepare to Bring Baby Home From the NICU
When baby is released from the hospital, it is so exciting (and overwhelming) to welcome them home. So how can you best prepare to bring baby home after being discharged from the NICU?
How can you prepare for a well-baby visit?
How can you find the right healthcare provider?
Choosing a healthcare provider for your child is important, and it can easily feel overwhelming. But have no fear! We’re here to walk you through the entire process, so you’ll get connected with the care your child needs and get answers to the questions you might have.
What is Early Detection and Early Intervention?
Baby’s early years are some of the most important years for their development, which is why early detection and early intervention are so critical.
Learn about Early Intervention
Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Being a parent is exciting– and challenging. Remember that it’s important to care for yourself, seek out support, and ask questions. Learn more about adjusting to baby’s changes.
Related Resources
Click the links below to learn more:
Communicating with Baby in the NICU
States of Alertness and Hunger Cues
Helpful Outside Organizations
Visit some of these great resources to help parents with babies in the NICU.
Ronald McDonald House Charities
This is just the beginning of our information and resources for parents!
Download our FREE NICU brochure
From adjusting milestones to helping baby once they’re discharged, this brochure provides tips and support for any baby in the NICU.
The Pathways.org Promise
Our milestones are supported by American Academy of Pediatric findings. Our activities are verified by licensed pediatric physical and occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists.
Contact us
Get in touch!
friends@pathways.org