Getting ready to go home can be a time of mixed emotions, you may feel happy, excited, worried or anxious. The neonatal team will support you and your family in transitioning from the neonatal unit to home.
This is a short, animated guide to help you understand some of the things that might take place when preparing to take your baby home. This animation was created by the NICU Foundation and the South West Neonatal Network.
Before you go home, you may be offered to stay with your baby overnight. This gives you time to spend with your baby, providing all their care and helps build your confidence before you leave the hospital.
The staff will be there to answer questions and offer any help you need.
The Neonatal Community Outreach Team (NCOT) is a team of neonatal nurses and health care professionals who support babies and families once they leave the neonatal unit. They will work closely with you, the neonatal team and other community services to prepare you for discharge home. NCOT will care for babies with ongoing needs including:
The NCOT team will support you to feel confident caring for your baby at home. The number of visits will depend on your baby’s needs. They will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
| Topic | Resource |
| Safer Sleep |
Reducing the risk of SIDS for premature babies - The Lullaby Trust How to reduce the risk of SIDS for your baby - The Lullaby Trust Safer Sleep - The Lullaby Trust - Video Twins Trust | How to Safe Sleep Twins, Triplets & More | Sleep for Multiples |
| Basic Life Support |
Resuscitation training | Bliss How to Give Baby CPR - First Aid Training - St John Ambulance
|
| Crying | Parents - ICON Cope |
| If your baby is unwell when you go home |
If your baby is unwell when you go home | Bliss Common infectious illnesses | Bliss |