NICU MILESTONES
The NICU journey can be overwhelming, but this comprehensive checklist will help you stay informed, engaged, and prepared. Check off milestones as you go and customize them based on your baby's unique needs.
Milestone 1: Initial Admission & Orientation (First Week in the NICU)
The first few days in the NICU can be emotional and challenging. Use this section to familiarize yourself with the environment.
Understanding the NICU:
☐Take a guided tour of the NICU (if available)
☐ Learn the NICU rules and visitor policies
☐ Understand common NICU equipment (incubators, monitors, IVs, ventilators)
☐ Familiarize yourself with medical terminology used in the NICU
☐ Understand NICU hygiene protocols (handwashing, gowning, sanitization)
Medical Team & Baby’s Condition:
☐ Meet your baby’s primary care team (doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers)
☐ Understand your baby’s diagnosis and current condition
☐ Learn about daily rounds and how to participate
☐ Keep a notebook or app to track important medical updates
☐ Ask about pain management and comfort measures for your baby
Documentation & Support:
☐ Ensure your baby’s birth certificate and insurance details are processed
☐ Connect with a hospital social worker for financial and emotional support resources
☐ Locate a NICU parent support group (in person or online)
☐ Understand available mental health resources for parents
☐ Learn about hospital policies for parental leave and support
Milestone 2: Active Involvement In Care (Week 2 - 4)
Hands-On Care:
☐ Practice kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact) if allowed
☐ Learn how to change diapers in an incubator
☐ Assist with temperature regulation techniques
☐ Understand how to comfort your baby through touch and voice
☐ Learn how to swaddle safely (if applicable)
☐ Help with gentle physical therapy or positioning if needed
Feeding & Nutrition:
☐ Learn about your baby’s feeding plan (breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, tube feeding)
☐ Meet with a lactation consultant if breastfeeding
☐ Learn how to pump and store breast milk (if applicable)
☐ Understand fortifiers or special formulas needed for your baby
☐ Track feeding amounts and times
☐ Learn the signs of feeding intolerance or allergies
Tracking Progress:
☐ Monitor weight gain and growth patterns
☐ Understand lab tests and what they indicate
☐ Ask about developmental milestones for preemies
☐ Maintain a journal or digital log of daily progress
☐ Observe and document changes in breathing patterns and reflexes
Milestone 3: Preparing for Home Transition (2-4 Weeks Before Discharge)
Home Readiness:
☐ Prepare a safe sleep area (crib or bassinet with firm mattress, no loose bedding)
☐ Ensure your home is temperature-controlled (avoid overheating or drafts)
☐ Sanitize baby essentials (bottles, pacifiers, breast pump parts)
☐ Learn about proper car seat safety and get a car seat check
☐ Create a quiet and calm environment for your baby
☐ Stock up on baby essentials (diapers, wipes, formula, clothing)
Medical & Follow-Up Plans:
☐ Schedule follow-up appointments with pediatricians and specialists
☐ Learn how to administer any necessary medications
☐ Get CPR and first aid training for infants
☐ Understand potential post-NICU complications to watch for
☐ Organize medical records and discharge paperwork
☐ Learn about available home health care services if needed
Emergency Preparedness:
☐ Learn the signs of respiratory distress and infection
☐ Create an emergency contact list (pediatrician, NICU, 911)
☐ Plan for what to do in case of an emergency
☐ Keep a well-stocked baby first aid kit at home
☐ Identify the nearest hospital with a pediatric emergency department
Milestone 4: Post-Discharge Adjustment (First 3 Months at Home)
Establishing a Routine:
☐ Develop a feeding and sleep schedule
☐ Track diaper changes and feeding amounts
☐ Keep a log of any concerns to discuss with your doctor
☐ Slowly introduce tummy time as recommended
☐ Create a calming bedtime routine
☐ Introduce sensory stimulation (gentle music, soft lights, skin-to-skin contact)
Monitoring Baby’s Health:
☐ Watch for signs of reflux, allergies, or digestion issues
☐ Keep track of weight gain and growth milestones
☐ Monitor breathing patterns and temperature regulation
☐ Stay up to date with vaccinations and checkups
☐ Recognize signs of developmental delays or concerns
☐ Maintain open communication with your baby’s medical team
Emotional Support:
☐ Seek support from family, friends, or a therapist
☐ Join a post-NICU parent support group
☐ Practice self-care to manage stress
☐ Celebrate small milestones with your baby
☐ Keep a photo journal or scrapbook of your baby's progress
☐ Learn ways to bond with your baby through touch and interaction
Milestone 5: Long-Term Growth & Development (Ongoing)
Developmental Milestones:
☐ Track motor skills (rolling over, crawling, walking)
☐ Observe cognitive and sensory development
☐ Engage in early intervention if recommended
☐ Schedule developmental assessments as needed
☐ Encourage tummy time and safe physical activity
☐ Introduce age-appropriate toys and activities
Medical & Vaccination Follow-Ups:
☐ Continue routine pediatric visits
☐ Stay on schedule with vaccinations
☐ Monitor hearing and vision development
☐ Keep track of any long-term medical needs
☐ Follow up with specialists as required
☐ Stay informed about any recommended therapies (speech, occupational, physical)
Celebrating Progress:
☐ Take note of big and small achievements
☐ Capture milestones through photos or a baby journal
☐ Reflect on your NICU journey and share experiences with others
☐ Advocate for NICU awareness and support programs
☐ Plan a special way to celebrate your baby’s NICU graduation
REMEMBER
Every baby’s journey is unique. This checklist is meant to guide you, but always follow your medical team’s advice and adjust based on your baby’s specific needs.