Neonatal (newborn) Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
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NICU FAQ's
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• How much can my baby see when he/she is born?
• How developed is my baby’s hearing at birth?
• Can my baby smell when he/she is born?
• What position should my baby sleep in?
• Is it really that important that my baby is not around cigarette, pipe or cigar smoke?
• I have been reading about Shaken Baby Syndrome. What are ways I can cope when I have a fussy baby?
How much can my baby see when he/she is born?
At birth, a baby’s eyes are very sensitive to bright light. By 2 weeks of age, the pupils begin to enlarge, allowing the baby to see a broader range of shades of dark and light. At birth, he/she will look at objects held about 8-15 inches in front of them, but by one month, they will focus on objects up to 3 feet away. The more contrast there is in the object, the more it will attract the baby’s attention. This is why black and white patterns work so well for this. For reasons unknown, babies will focus more on the color red. By 4 months of age, vision is fully mature. If you have a question or think there might be a problem, contact your physician.
How developed is my baby’s hearing at birth?
During the first month, your baby will pay close attention to human voices, especially the high-pitched voices. He/she will turn their head to search for you when you talk. Baby’s can “shut down” and not respond to loud noises if it is in a noisy, crowded room. On the opposite end of the spectrum, he/she may be so sensitive to a noise that they startle and cry. If you have a question or think there might be a problem, contact your physician.
Can my baby smell when he/she is born?
Yes. Babies like the smell of milk, vanilla, banana and sugar. They do NOT like the smells of alcohol or vinegar. If you are nursing, the baby will recognize the smell of your milk over other milk. If you have a question or think there might be a problem, contact your physician.
What position should my baby sleep in?
It is highly recommended that your baby sleep on his/her BACK. It is the safest position, even for naps. Research has shown that there is a decrease in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) when babies sleep on their backs. Tips for lowering the risk of SIDS:
• Babies should sleep on a firm surface, covered by a fitted sheet
• Do not use pillows, quilts, sheepskins or other soft surfaces
• Keep soft objects, toys and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area
• Do not allow smoking around your baby
• Keep your baby’s sleep area close to, but separate from where you and others sleep
• Think about using a clean, dry pacifier when placing your infant down to sleep
• Do not let your baby overheat during sleep
• Avoid products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS – most have not been tested for effectiveness or safety
It is important that when your baby is awake and someone is watching, you place them on their stomachs. This helps strengthen the baby’s head, neck and shoulder muscles. If you have a question or think there might be a problem, contact your physician.
Is it really that important that my baby is not around cigarette, pipe or cigar smoke?
Yes! Numerous problems, such as respiratory infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia have been linked to babies who are around smoking. Children exposed to cigarette smoke also are at an increased risk of developing ear infections and asthma. They are susceptible to headaches, sore throats, hoarseness, irritated eyes, dizziness, nausea, lack of energy, and fussiness. A fact in the American Academy of Pediatrics, Caring for your Baby and Young Child book, is that children who are exposed to as few as 10 cigarettes a day have an increased risk of getting asthma, even if they have never had any symptoms. Other dangers include: an increased risk of SIDS, may be more likely to have cataracts as adults, and risk of fires and burns.
I have been reading about Shaken Baby Syndrome. What are ways I can cope when I have a fussy baby?
If you have met your baby’s basic needs, like hunger, wet diaper, fever, teething, hair wrapped around fingers or toes, or too warmly dressed, some calming techniques include:
• Gentle rocking or walking
• Use of a swing
• Offer a pacifier
• Soft music, singing, reading or talking
• Soothingly rub the tummy or back
• Go for a drive
If you feel yourself starting to lose patience, distance yourself from the baby:
• Place the baby in a safe place, like a crib and leave the room
• Relax, breathe deeply and count to 10, then 20
• Ask a friend or relative to take over for a while
• Ask for support from someone who understands the frustration of caring for a crying baby
• Call the 24 hour hotline at 866-234-BABY
The above information is from the Shaken Baby Task Force in Council Bluffs, IA.