Things to Do Before Discharge

What should I do before my baby is discharged?

• Get to know your baby and feel comfortable caring for him/her
  • Become involved in your baby's care in the hospital
  • Learn ways to comfort or settle your baby
  • Change diapers and clothes
  • Feed your baby as often as possible
  • Learn to give a bath
  • Learn to give medications that your baby will receive at home
  • Learn any treatments that will be given at home
• Learn to properly position your baby in a car seat
• Identify which physician will be caring for your baby after discharge. Be sure you have an appointment shortly after discharge. Your baby may have several other appointments after discharge. Be sure to go to all of the appointments, even if your baby seems healthy.
• If your baby is a boy, decide if you want him circumcised.
• Inquire about immunizations. Some immunizations may be started before or at discharge. Be sure you have a record of those given.
• Learn the results of the routine screening tests performed on your infant and if repeat testing is needed. Common screens are listed below. Your baby may not have all of these.
  • Neonatal Screen. All babies have blood tests to look for the presence of certain diseases. States vary regarding the number and types of diseases screened. Sick preterm infants often have "false positive" results and the test may need to be repeated when the infant is older and healthier.
  • Hearing test
• Learn baby cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This is appropriate for all parents. Most hospitals or communities have such instruction. If yours does not, call the American Heart Association for more information.
• If your infant is going home on a monitor, complete monitor training. Learn the important contact numbers for problems or emergencies.
• If your infant is going home on oxygen, be sure you feel comfortable working all of the equipment that you will use at home and when going out. Learn how to secure the nasal cannula. Learn the important contact numbers for problems or emergencies.
• Ask for a copy of your baby's discharge summary, so you will have it in the future if problems develop or if you move.