Check with the hospital staff to determine which family members can see the baby. Everyone who comes into the NICU must wash their hands when they enter. This is a crucial part of keeping that environment as clean as possible so the babies will not be exposed to infections. Some units require visitors to wear hospital gowns, particularly if your child is in isolation. In such a case, you may also need to wear gloves and a mask.
Some parents tape pictures to the isolette or decorate the incubator.
If you want to give your child a stuffed toy, the staff may wrap it in plastic first. To be safe, ask the nurses what you are allowed to bring into the unit. When you're in the NICU, keep noise and bright lights to a minimum. Try not to bang things on the incubator, talk in a loud voice, or slam doors. If you are concerned about light, ask a nurse if you can drape a blanket partially over the incubator.