Tips and Tricks for a NICU Stay: A Guide for New Parents

Written By Brooke Hoyt

When your little one is in the NICU, it can feel like your world has flipped upside down. The experience can be overwhelming, stressful, and filled with uncertainties. While every NICU journey is unique, there are some common strategies and gentle reminders that can help make this challenging time a little bit easier. Here’s a guide to navigating a NICU stay with compassion, support, and some practical tips.

1. Educate Yourself, but Take Breaks

Knowledge can be empowering, but too much information at once can be overwhelming. Take time to understand your baby’s condition and treatment plan by asking the medical team questions and seeking reputable resources like the March of Dimes or the American Academy of Pediatrics. But also give yourself permission to step away from the research and just breathe.

2. Skin-to-Skin Contact (Kangaroo Care)

If your baby is stable and the NICU staff encourages it, skin-to-skin contact can be profoundly beneficial for both baby and parent. According to studies, kangaroo care can help regulate a baby’s body temperature, improve oxygen levels, and promote bonding. Even just holding your baby’s tiny hand can provide comfort and reassurance for both of you.

3. Create a Comfort Kit

The NICU is not exactly a cozy environment. Pack a small bag with items that bring you comfort — a cozy blanket, noise-canceling headphones, a reusable water bottle, a journal, and a good book. Having these familiar items nearby can make the long hours a little more manageable.

4. Advocate for Your Baby

You are your baby’s voice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek clarifications, and share your concerns with the NICU team. Write down questions as they come up, so you don’t forget to ask during rounds. You are a vital part of the care team, and your instincts matter.

6. Lean on Your Support System

You don’t have to go through this alone. Friends and family want to help but may not know how. Consider creating a list of ways they can support you — from bringing meals to sitting with you during long waits or helping with errands. Accepting help doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re strong enough to ask for it.

7. Take Care of Yourself

The NICU is a marathon, not a sprint. Prioritize rest, hydration, and nourishing meals when you can. Seek out parent support groups, whether in person or online, where you can connect with others who understand the unique stress of having a baby in the NICU.

Other Tips and Tricks: 

The NICU is a place of medicine where the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals work tirelessly to ensure all of the babies in their care are happy, healthy, and safe. However, there are a few things you can do for yourself and for preparation for your baby’s arrival home that can have benefits beyond the medicinal! (Note: before trying any of the suggestions listed below, please consult with your medical team!) 

Lavender Essential Oil: While you should never use essential oils on or near a NICU baby without consulting the medical team, placing a few drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball in your own space or on your pillowcase at night can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Some other ways to use lavender throughout your NICU stay: 

Chamomile Tea: Drinking chamomile tea can help calm anxious nerves. Some parents also use a chamomile sachet in their personal space to promote a sense of calm, similar to lavender mentioned above. Some other uses for chamomile include: 

  • Add chamomile essential oil or flowers to your nighttime bath after a stressful day at the NICU 

  • Use chamomile syrup in coffee, tea, or cocktails 

  • Choose a chamomile infused soap, shampoo, or lotion to make self care time extra calming 

Breast Milk as Medicine: Some cultures believe that breast milk has healing properties. Even if your baby is too tiny to feed, pumping and storing breast milk can provide essential nutrients and immunological benefits once feeding is possible.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is a godsend for new parents who are breastfeeding! From nipple protection, to soothing chapped skin, to helping the milk let down, olive oil is the all-purpose aid that you didn’t know you needed! Not only that, but it’s edible and safe to use topically (with clearance from your medical team of course) so no need to wash off before baby latches on! 


Take Up Knitting or Crochet: There can be a lot of downtime during a NICU stay, especially during the first few weeks of a baby’s life. While your little one is getting stronger and working toward going home for the first time, keeping your mind busy by learning (or perhaps reviving!) a craft like knitting or crochet can be useful! Not only does it keep those racing thoughts occupied, you can create something cuddly for your baby to cherish for years to come! (There are lots of great videos to get you started, such as these!)

Your NICU stay may not have been part of the plan, but you are still the most important person in your baby’s world. Taking care of yourself is just as crucial as taking care of your little one. You’re stronger than you know — and you’re not alone. If you’re looking for support around an unsuspected NICU stay, reach out and speak with one of our amazing doulas today! We’d be happy to help support you while you support your little one! 

Brooke Hoyt
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