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Being part of your baby's health-care team

Health A-Z

Learn how parents can effectively participate in the care of a baby in the NICU.

Life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Health A-Z

Learn about the challenges that parents/caregivers and families may experience when a baby is admitted to the NICU.

Decision making in the NICU

Health A-Z

Learn about how families and the health-care team work together to make important decisions about the care of babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Learning Hub

Learning Hub

The SickKids Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides care for newborns up to four weeks of age. Find information about life in the NICU, conditions that affect newborns and premature babies and what to expect when leaving the NICU.

Going home from the NICU

Health A-Z

Read about issues that parents and caregivers must address in order to prepare for a baby's discharge from the NICU and arrival at home.

The health-care team in the NICU

Health A-Z

Read about the various health-care team members who care for babies admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Transport to specialized neonatal facilities

Health A-Z

Learn about how newborns and infants are safely transported from a community hospital or nursing station to a hospital that can provide the necessary expertise to care for sick premature or term babies.

Neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up recommendations: 12 month visit

Health A-Z

Recommendations for babies who have spent time in the NICU or CCCU to help improve neurodevelopment at 12 months.

Neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up recommendations: Eight month visit

Health A-Z

Recommendations for babies who have spent time in the NICU or CCCU to help improve neurodevelopment at eight months.

Outcomes for premature babies

Health A-Z

Learn about possible outcomes for premature babies.

Vascular access in the NICU

Health A-Z

Learn about several types of lines and catheters inserted into a vein that are used for vascular access on a premature baby or ill newborn.

Neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up recommendations: Four month visit

Health A-Z

This page provides recommendations to encourage neurodevelopment in four month old babies who have spent time in the NICU or CCCU.

Neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up recommendations: Six week visit

Health A-Z

This page provides recommendations to encourage neurodevelopment in babies aged six weeks, who have spent time in the NICU or CCCU.

Neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up recommendations: 36 month visit

Health A-Z

Recommendations to encourage neurodevelopment in babies at 36 months old who are patients in the neonatal developmental follow-up clinic.

Coping with your family and others

Health A-Z

When a child goes through scoliosis surgery, the whole family is affected in many ways. Suggestions for coping with family during this stressful time.

Neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up recommendations: 18 month visit

Health A-Z

Recommendations to encourage neurodevelopment in babies at 18 months old who have spent time in the neonatal neurodevelopment follow-up clinic.

Respiratory support for babies in the NICU

Health A-Z

Read about the different methods of assisting babies with their breathing in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Attachment and premature babies

Health A-Z

All babies are born relationship ready. Babies are also born with attachment-based behaviours (crying) that cue their caregiver when they are in distress and need them close. Learn how the baby’s cry and the caregiver’s response to the cry develops the attachment relationship.

Deciding about a blood and marrow transplant

Health A-Z

Deciding about a blood and marrow transplant (BMT) is a difficult decision to make. Parents can learn some tips that may help.

Grief and bereavement

Health A-Z

Losing a child is one of the most difficult losses a person can go through. This page describes common reactions to grief and available supports. 

Vein of Galen malformation

Health A-Z

A vein of Galen malformation can affect the brain, heart and other organs in the body. Learn what a vein of Galen malformation is, the signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options available.

Post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) in newborns

Read about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) in newborn babies.

Acute pain: How to assess in infants and toddlers

Health A-Z

Find out how acute pain is identified and assessed, at home and in medical settings, in children not old enough to speak.

What is general anesthesia?

Health A-Z

This article will provide information to help prepare your child for their surgery, test or treatment under general anesthesia.

Sex education for children: Eight tips for parents

Health A-Z

Having 'the talk' isn't always easy. Find advice for parents and caregivers on talking to their kids about sex and reproduction.