What can I bring to the NICU?
Walking into the NICU for the first time can feel overwhelming with the beeping monitors, the tiny beds, the web of wires. Amid all of that, parents often ask a simple but important question: “What can I bring?”
While the NICU provides everything your baby needs for medical care, bringing a few personal items can make the environment feel warmer, calmer, and more like home. Here’s a list of thoughtful, baby-safe items to consider.
1. Outfits Made for the NICU
Your baby may not be ready for clothes right away, but once the medical team gives the green light, dressing your little one can feel like a big milestone. Choose pieces that are both practical and comfortable.
Onesies without pants – These allow easy access for leads, wires, and diaper changes while keeping your baby cozy.
One-piece outfits with snaps – Avoid zippers that come up near the baby’s face or neck, where wires may exit. Snaps make it easier for wires to run between openings instead.
Kimono-style tops or side-snap shirts – These open flat, so you can dress your baby gently without pulling fabric over their head.
Soft hats and socks – Some units allow them once babies can regulate their temperature; check with your nurse first.
🧺 Tip: Bring a small laundry bag or zippered pouch to keep soiled items separate. Many parents use a wet bag (the kind made for cloth diapers) to store dirty clothes until they can be washed at home.
2. Swaddles and Blankets
A familiar blanket can add a comforting touch to your baby’s space. Choose lightweight, breathable swaddles or soft receiving blankets that meet hospital safety standards. Some parents like to rotate blankets so one can stay with the baby while another goes home to be washed — keeping that sense of “home” close by.
3. Scent Cloths
Your scent can be deeply soothing to your baby. A scent cloth or bonding square lets you leave your familiar smell near your baby while you’re away — and some NICUs will encourage you to swap them so your baby’s scent stays with you, too. It’s a beautiful way to stay connected even during separation.
4. Pacifier or Comfort Items
If your NICU team approves, bringing your baby’s own pacifier (or “binky”) can help with self-soothing and oral development. Ask your care team about approved brands and cleaning procedures before bringing one in.
5. Small Decorations for the Bedside
NICU rooms can feel sterile, so small, safe decorations can bring warmth and positivity to the space. Consider:
A small name card or banner (no glitter or loose materials)
Photos of family members or siblings
A small stuffed animal for decoration only (kept outside the incubator)
Baby books read to your baby (hearing your voice can clam them)
These little touches remind everyone that this tiny patient is also a beloved child, part of a whole family cheering them on.
6. Comfort Items for Parents
You’ll be spending long hours at your baby’s bedside. Pack a few essentials for yourself, too:
A light sweater or blanket (NICUs are often cool)
Notebook or journal to jot down updates and milestones
Reusable water bottle and snacks
Phone charger and headphones for longer stays
7. Ask Before You Bring
Every NICU has its own policies about what’s allowed. Before bringing items, check with your baby’s nurse or care team. They’ll let you know what’s safest for your baby’s specific situation.
A Final Word
A few thoughtful items from home can transform the NICU from a medical space into one that feels more comfortable, connected, and nurturing, a place that’s personal for both you and your baby.