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When will my baby be ready to come home?
Ultimately, it is the physician's decision when a baby is ready to be discharged.
These are some of the factors taken into consideration:
- Baby's medical condition and vital signs are consistently stable.
- He/she is able to nipple all feedings in about 20 minutes or less without difficulty.
- Baby is steadily gaining weight.
- Baby is able to maintain his/her temperature in an open crib.
- Baby has been free of "events" such as apneas, bradycardias or desaturations for at least +/- 5 days prior to going home.
- Baby's hearing screen is completed.
- Family and home are ready for the baby.
- Immunization permits are signed, and immunizations are given, as appropriate.
- Circumcision permit is signed, and the circumcision is done if applicable.
- Baby has an appointment with a pediatrician/doctor within 24-72 hours after discharge.
- Baby pictures are taken, if desired.
- The Developmental Assessment Clinic (DAC) video is watched, and a DAC appointment is made for babies 32 weeks gestation or less.
- Family has taken an infant CPR class offered in the unit.
Am I ready for my baby to come home?
- Am I comfortable with breastfeeding and/or familiar with the preparation of formula?
- Have I changed my baby's diaper, done cord care, given his/her bath, know how to take my baby's temperature, and feel comfortable with my baby's overall care?
- Have I signed up for and completed my CPR class?
- Have I been taught how to give my baby's medications and the purpose of these medications? Do I have my medication prescriptions filled?
- Have I chosen a pediatrician/doctor for my baby, and have I made an appointment for 24-72 hours after discharge?
- Do I have all my primary care physician/specialist appointments set?
- Have all of my questions about my baby's care at home been answered?
- Am I ready with the supplies at home that I need to care for my baby?
- Do I have a car seat and know how it is used correctly?
- Do I understand the ways to decrease the chance of my baby getting an infection, such as good hand washing by everyone in contact
with the baby, limiting visitors, and staying away from anyone who is sick and large crowds at places like grocery stores and church nurseries?
- Do I understand the SIDS information and ways to decrease my baby's chance for SIDS, such as no smoking around the baby, positioning the baby on his/her
side or back, and dressing the baby appropriately for the home or outside.
- Have I made preparations for a complete smoke-free home environment?
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