The health care team in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) creates an environment that supports your baby’s growth and development. This includes keeping the noise level low, dimming the lights when possible, covering isolettes to help babies get to sleep, trying not to disturb them when they are sleeping, and using rolls and blankets to keep their arms and legs close to their bodies for comfort. Sleep time is very important to help babies grow and recover from illness.

The health care team also tries to “cluster” their care around feedings and will ask that you schedule your visits and cuddling times around your baby’s feedings. This will promote growth and development and provide undisturbed sleep periods for your baby.