Taking Care of Your Baby

Wash your hands before touching your baby or your baby's items. Ask others to do the same.
Ask about Kangaroo Care (skin-to-skin contact) as soon as possible after delivery. Both moms and dads can practice Kangaroo Care. Parents recommend button-down shirts to facilitate Kangaroo Care.
Touch or hold your baby as much as permitted. If you have not been able to hold your baby yet, ask each day if it is safe to do so.
Try to be involved in as much of your baby's care as possible. This can include changing diapers, bathing, and feeding.
Ask about breastfeeding, pumping and lactation support. If you are going to breastfeed, make sure the instructions are clear to every nurse.
Bring touches of home: Use receiving blankets for your baby’s bedding and for swaddling; tape photos of siblings and family to the isolette.
Let your baby get to know you:

Cover the incubator, especially if near a window.
Bring in some preemie clothes -- a hat or sock -- something to add a touch of pink or blue. A drawer in the incubator stores clothing items for your baby. T-shirts with side or full snaps or Velcro are to allow for easy access around tubes and wires are best.
For older, more developed babies, mobiles and/or bright, colorful toys help to capture their attention.
Learn what you can about your baby's condition. Do not hesitate to ask questions about caring for your baby, your baby's condition, tests and results, and the overall plan for care.
Call for regular updates and ask for a "recap" prior to the end of a shift. It also helps to ask your nurse when is the best time to call in order to avoid the times when he or she may not be available.
Know who is in charge of your baby's care and how to reach your baby's nurse.
Trust your instincts, speak up, and be your baby's advocate.