Welcome to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, best known as the "NICU" at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. We realize these are stressful times for you and your family, and we’re ready to help in any way we can, providing the most technologically advanced neonatal care possible in an atmosphere of warmth, welcome and family-centered caring.

In the "NICU," every physician, nurse and staff member is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, and caring environment for your baby, while at the same time respecting your needs as a family. This philosophy of family-centered care will guide us through the days ahead as we work together in your child’s best interest.

Most importantly, we invite you to take an active role in your baby’s care. Don’t be overwhelmed by the NICU’s high-tech monitors and equipment. Your baby needs your presence, love and support. We encourage you to hold and talk to your baby. This kind of communication is understood and needed by even the tiniest infant.

We encourage you and your baby to spend as much time together as possible: getting to know each other with each touch, stroke and sound. Don’t worry, if your baby cries or seems to grimace at first touch — it’s the baby’s first response to stimulation. As soon as you have selected a name for your baby, please let us know. This lends a more personal note to the care we provide.

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. We welcome your questions and value your concerns.

P.S. Before your leave the hospital, don’t forget to complete the yellow Birth Registration Worksheet as required by the State of Connecticut. According to state law, hospitals must file a birth certificate within 10 days of birth. Questions? Call Medical Records 545-2471, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. More Info.

Location: Here’s where you’ll find us
Connecticut Children’s NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) is located on the fifth floor of Hartford Hospital, downstairs from Labor and Delivery.

This location was specially chosen so that the babies needing immediate care at birth would be as close as possible to the NICU’s medical equipment and expertise. 

Scope of service and philosophy of care
The NICU cares for newborns with a wide variety of conditions. These include: prematurity, difficulty breathing, infection, surgical, and cardiac problems.

Believing in the importance of family-centered care, we encourage you to visit your baby often in the NICU. This will help develop the close and loving relationship that is natural between you and your child.

You are welcome to bring friends and family members for support. If your baby has brothers and sisters, ask us about the Sibling Program and its support services.

Family amenities
In keeping with its philosophy of family-centered care, Connecticut Children’s NICU offers a wide range of amenities for visiting parents and family members. These include:

• Family lounge(s) -- for privacy, rest and conversation
• Family rooms -- for privacy, breastfeeding, naps and overnight stays.
• Kitchen space -- with microwave, refrigerator, snacks, beverages and ice machine
• Snacks, food service -- access to cafeterias and vending machines at Hartford Hospital and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
• Rest rooms, telephones and more

Family Privacy
To provide privacy to all babies and families in the unit, we ask that you and your visitors remain at your own baby’s bedside, and limit your picture-taking and videotaping to your baby only.

If you feel you need additional privacy, please ask for our privacy screens. These will be available upon request.

Family Safety
To enter the NICU, visitors must call from the telephone outside the entrance and wait for a staff person to open the door. Until we recognize you, we may ask you for identification. This is done for safety’s sake. We hope you’ll understand.