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Going Home After the NICU

Tips for parents stepping into the next chapter — joyful, nervous and ready.

Article · 7 min readDischarge Day & Beyond

Leaving the NICU after weeks or months is a huge milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. Many parents describe discharge day as a mix of joy, fear, excitement, and uncertainty.

You're not alone. Here are supportive, realistic tips to help make the transition home feel easier, calmer, and more confident.

“Your baby is going home because your baby is ready.”

Step 1

Expect Mixed Emotions — It's Normal

"I'm so happy... but also terrified."

"What if something goes wrong at home?"

"I've depended on nurses and monitors for months."

All these feelings are valid. Your NICU team is sending your baby home because you're ready and your baby is ready.

Step 2

Practice Your Baby's Routine in the NICU

Before discharge, get comfortable with:

  • Giving medications
  • Mixing formula or fortifier (if needed)
  • Bottle or breast feedings
  • Any equipment: NG tube, oxygen, monitor, pump

Ask nurses for a “teach-back” session — where you show them the steps and they coach you through it.

Step 3

Organize Meds, Appointments & Follow-Ups

Most NICU grads have multiple appointments:

  • Pediatrician
  • Cardiologist
  • Ophthalmology (ROP follow-up)
  • High-risk Infant Clinic
  • Therapies (PT / OT / feeding)

Create a simple binder or phone note with medication times, follow-ups, growth charts, and discharge instructions.

Step 4

Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps

NICU parents often feel the urge to be "on alert" constantly at home. It's exhausting, you've been in survival mode for months.

  • Rest when the baby rests
  • Ask for help
  • Take turns with your partner
  • Set up a safe sleep space near your room

Step 5

Know When (and How) to Ask for Help

Your NICU team will always be part of your story. Call if you're worried about:

  • Trouble feeding
  • Vomiting or poor weight gain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Decreased wet diapers
  • Fevers
  • Anything that feels "not right"

You are never bothering them.

Step 6

Give Yourself Permission to Adjust Slowly

Your baby may come home with oxygen, feeding tubes, monitors, special formulas, or medications. It's okay if:

  • You feel intimidated
  • You cry the first night home
  • You call the NICU or pediatrician a lot
  • The fear doesn't go away immediately

Healing takes time — for babies and parents.

Step 7

Focus on Bonding, Not Perfection

Bonding can continue — sometimes it even gets easier at home. Try:

  • Skin-to-skin time
  • Reading to your baby
  • Soft music
  • Talking during diaper changes
  • Gentle eye contact (when baby is ready)

Every moment counts.

Step 8

Feeding at Home Takes Practice

Whether breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or tube feeding:

  • Babies may tire easily
  • They may still take small amounts
  • They may need pacing or breaks
  • Growth is gradual

Ask your NICU team if you should track volumes, weights, or feeding times.

Step 9

Create a "Go Bag" for Appointments

You'll have many appointments at first. Pack:

  • Extra clothes
  • Extra diapers
  • Feeding supplies
  • Medication doses
  • A printed list of baby's medical history

It makes outings far less stressful.

Step 10

Celebrate How Far You've Come

Small victories matter:

  • First night home
  • First bath
  • First family photo outside the NICU

Your baby is home because of your strength, advocacy, and love!

Welcome home, brave family.

The road continues, but you've already walked the hardest part. One feed, one nap, one cuddle at a time.