Infants who weigh only 1 to 2 pounds, are on ventilators or are critically ill are protected from excessive stimulation. Blankets are draped over their isolettes to block the light, and a sound sensor warns nurses if the noise level in the nursery is too high. When a nurse has to handle the baby, she does it very slowly and cautiously, with breaks if the medical procedure is lengthy. Many of these babies are three to four months premature, so they are still growing and developing in our isolettes as they would have in the womb. Parents are encouraged to hold the baby as much as possible, put toys and other items in the isolette for visual stimulation and record themselves reading books so the nurses can play the tape for the baby when the parents aren't there.
Some babies spend six to nine months after their due dates in the nursery.
For them, the nurses attempt to mimic the kind of day they would experience at home. These babies are on a regular schedule, with set times to eat, nap and play. Helping parents too As the baby gets well, parental involvement in his care increases. The nursing staff educates the parents on their child's special needs and makes sure that they are prepared to take over the care responsibilities once the baby is home. Parents are encouraged to feed, bathe and dress their children, and a special room is available in which the parents and baby can stay together for a night or two before discharge to get used to each other.