59. 5 Steps to Prepare for Your Baby’s NICU Discharge and Make the Transition Easier

Jan 30

Written By Faye L

Your baby’s NICU discharge is basically the parenting equivalent of being shoved on stage with zero rehearsal. One minute, you’ve got a team of nurses and machines monitoring every hiccup, and the next, you’re expected to be a full-blown medical expert, sleep strategist, and boob/bottle provider—simultaneously. No pressure, right?

First, take a deep breath. You’re not alone, and you can do this. Preparing for discharge isn’t just about packing up tiny onesies and celebrating freedom—it’s about setting yourself up for success at home. So, let’s talk about the five key steps to make this transition as smooth (and sanity-saving) as possible.

1. Car Seat Safety: Because Your Baby’s First Ride Shouldn’t Be a Science Experiment

Not all car seats are created equal—especially when it comes to preemies or medically complex babies. Some infants will need a car seat test before discharge, where they’re strapped in and monitored to ensure they can breathe safely in a seated position. If your baby struggles with oxygen levels or positioning, you may need a car bed instead of a traditional car seat.

💡 Pro Tip: Before you drop cash on the cutest car seat in the store, consult a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST)—someone who actually knows the ins and outs of preemie-safe car seats. Many hospitals have CPSTs, but you can also find one locally here.

And here’s something else NICU parents often aren’t told:
Make sure the car seat is positioned at the correct recline angle, exactly as it would be when installed in your car (roughly 45 degrees)—not sitting too upright on a hospital chair or too reclined on a flat surface. Angle can make a big difference in airway safety for preemies.

You’ll also want to double-check harness placement and fit:

Straps should be at or below baby’s shoulders for rear-facing seats.
Perform the pinch test at the collarbone—if you can pinch slack, the straps aren’t tight enough.
Nothing goes between baby and the seat, including swaddles, jackets, or any inserts you can buy separately. If it didn’t come with the car seat, it’s not safe to use.
If you need support for positioning, use rolled receiving blankets beside baby (not behind or under them), following CPST-safe guidelines.

These little details make a huge difference in safety, comfort, and whether your baby passes that all-important car seat test.

2. Sidecar Crib or Bassinet: Because You Deserve More Than Sleeping With One Eye Open

Bringing a NICU baby home means being hyper-aware of every breath, stretch, and sleepy sigh. A sidecar crib or bedside bassinet keeps your baby close without you having to do the Olympic sport of getting in and out of bed 47 times a night.

For medically complex infants, easy access is key—whether you’re monitoring oxygen, adjusting a feeding tube, or just checking (for the 100th time) that they’re still breathing. Having a safe, separate sleeping space within arm’s reach makes those first few weeks (or months) infinitely easier.

✅ Look for a bassinet or crib that:

Meets safe sleep guidelines (flat, firm surface, no loose bedding)
Has an open side or easy drop-down panel
Adjusts to fit flush with your bed

3. Find a Pediatrician Who Actually Knows Preemies and Complex Needs

Not all pediatricians have experience with preemies, let alone babies with specific medical conditions. You don’t want your first post-NICU visit to be spent explaining your baby’s needs to a doctor who’s flipping through a textbook mid-appointment.

🎯 What to look for in a pediatrician:

Experience with preemies or your baby’s specific condition
A solid plan for handling emergency concerns (“Does this cough mean hospital trip or just Tuesday?”)
Comfort with coordinating specialist care (because you’ll likely have a whole squad of specialists)

💡 Pro Tip: Ask your NICU team for pediatrician recommendations. They’ve seen firsthand which doctors actually get it.

4. Have an IBCLC (Lactation Consultant) Who’s NOT Tied to the Hospital

Hospital lactation consultants are great, but once you leave? You need someone on your team who understands feeding struggles outside of a sterile, time-limited hospital room. Whether you’re pumping, combo feeding, using a feeding tube, or triple-feeding (IYKYK), an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can make all the difference.

🤔 Why an IBCLC?

They have advanced training in feeding complexities (not just basic latching).
They can help you transition from NICU feeding methods (because hospital rules don’t always apply to real life).
They work with your baby’s unique needs, not just a one-size-fits-all approach.

💡 Find one near you: ILCA Directory or ask in local parenting groups (because moms always know the best experts). Lactation Network can also help you find support covered by your insurance.

5. Set Expectations With Family: Because “Just Popping By” Isn’t a Thing Post-NICU

People love a new baby. They also love showing up unannounced, kissing tiny foreheads, and questioning your every decision. Hard pass.

NICU babies often have weaker immune systems, and even a “mild” cold can land them back in the hospital. That means you get to be the CEO of your own visitor policies—no guilt required.

📌 Set clear boundaries:

Handwashing, masking, and vaccines (if desired)
No sick visitors (“It’s just allergies” is not a free pass.)
No surprise visits (Text first. Always.)
No kissing the baby (Because RSV is real, and we’re not playing.)

💡 Bonus Tip: Have a group message or pre-made response ready for when family asks to visit. Saves you from repeating yourself a million times.

🎁 Bonus: A Note for Family & Friends

(AKA How to Actually Help New NICU Parents)

Want to be the real MVP in a NICU grad’s homecoming? Forget the Pinterest-worthy nursery gifts. What these parents really need is less stress and more sleep.

💡 Here’s how you can actually help:

Set up a Meal Train 🍲 (because hospital coffee isn’t a food group)
Hire a house cleaning service 🧼 (or be the hero who scrubs the sink)
Offer to run errands 🛒 (formula, meds, groceries—whatever they need)
Respect their visitor boundaries 🚪 (yes, even if you’re the favorite aunt)

NICU parents aren’t just “new parents.” They’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and adjusting to an entirely new reality. The best gift? Practical support that makes their lives easier.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, and You’re Not Alone

Bringing home a NICU baby isn’t your typical newborn experience—but it is your new normal, and you’re more than capable of handling it. With the right preparation, the right support team, and the right boundaries (looking at you, surprise visitors), you’ll be able to navigate this transition with confidence.

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed? That’s normal. Deep breaths, one step at a time. You’ve already done hard things—you can do this, too.

Want to feel even more prepared for this next chapter? Download my FREE Research Cheatsheet for Expecting Parents to learn how to find reliable information, cut through the noise, and make informed decisions for your baby’s health and future. Because knowledge is power—and you deserve to feel empowered.

✨ [Download Here] ✨

Faye L