Bright lights, beeping monitors and busy staff - the NICU can be a stressful place for both you and your baby. However, the lights in the NICU are often dimmed and babies isolettes and incubators are sometimes covered to decrease light and noise. The staff works hard, to provide a comfortable and healthy environment for your baby.

At the end of each shift the nurses report on and discuss the care of your baby. Everything is reported in detail - what tests have been done, parental concerns- for the next nurse on duty.

Nurses do many things to help your baby such as:

	Take your baby's temperature, blood pressure, heart and breathing rate.
	Feed your baby every two to four hours.
	Change your baby's diaper and the position they are resting in.
	Take care of their skin, mouth and cord.
	Check your baby's IV and give medications.
	Bath and weigh your baby, usually in the evening shift.
	Take measurements of your baby's head, length and chest to monitor their growth.
	The Respiratory therapist assesses the heart and lungs of babies on respirators at the beginning of each shift.
	Every seven days your baby's incubator will be changed.