NICU Discharge Checklist
Everything to confirm, pack, and prepare before your baby heads home.
7 min readPrintable Guide
Section 1
Medical Readiness
- Stable breathing (no recent apnea/brady episodes)
- Temperature stability in crib/bassinet
- Feeding safely (breast, bottle, NG, or G-tube)
- Gaining weight appropriately
- Medications reviewed & understood
- Equipment received & taught (oxygen, monitor, pump, G-tube supplies, etc., if needed)
Section 2
Tests Completed
- Hearing screen
- Newborn screening (state metabolic screen)
- Congenital heart disease (CCHD) screen
- Car seat challenge (if required)
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) follow-up plan (for premature infants)
- Head ultrasound follow-up (if your NICU team recommends it)
Section 3
Immunizations & Prevention
- Routine newborn vaccines reviewed & up to date
- RSV protection given (nirsevimab) if baby qualifies
Section 4
Feeding & Nutrition
- Parents confident with feeding plan (breast, formula, fortification, schedule)
- Safe formula preparation taught
- NG or G-tube supplies provided
- WIC prescription (if eligible)
Section 5
Going-Home Gear
- Approved car seat & installation checked
- Safe sleep space (crib/bassinet)
- Thermometer
- Medication measuring tools
- Emergency numbers saved in phone
Section 6
Follow-Up Appointments
- Pediatrician appointment scheduled (within 24–48 hrs)
- Specialists (cardiology, neurology, GI, ophthalmology, pulmonology, surgery, etc.)
- Early Intervention referral submitted
Section 7
Parent Confidence & Education
- CPR training completed (if required by your NICU — optional in some units)
- Parents comfortable with feeding cues & safe sleep
- Parents understand signs to call the doctor
- Parents know how to give medications
- Parents know how to use & troubleshoot equipment
- Parents practiced holding, bathing & diaper changes
- Parents understand any RED FLAG symptom
Every checked box is a step closer to home.
Take it one box at a time. Your NICU team is right beside you until, and after, you walk out those doors.