Looking after your baby on the neonatal unit

A dad is doing skin-to-skin, sitting in a hospital chair, while a mum is holding up the tube feeding their baby.

It can be hard to know how to look after your baby in neonatal care. But getting involved can help you and your baby. Find information and support in this section.

Parents with nurse in unit by cot looking at their baby while the nurse provides care for the baby

Family-centred care

Find out how family-centred care can help you can be involved in caring for your baby during their stay on a neonatal unit.
A dad who has baby on chest doing skin to skin care

Skin to skin and kangaroo care

Premature and sick babies undergo many medical procedures that can cause them some discomfort. As your baby’s parents, you are the best people to balance this with a…
Premature baby attached to tubes being comforted by parent's hands

Why you are important to your baby's care

Find out why you are a really important part of your baby’s care on the neonatal unit.
Baby in incubator while mum is cleaning their mouth with a cotton wool bud

How getting involved on the neonatal unit…

We often hear that parents find it hard to know how to look after their baby on the neonatal unit. But what are the benefits of being involved? And what do other parents…
Two parents looking at their baby who is in an incubator

What stops parents getting involved in their…

Parents being involved in their baby's care can be helpful for them and their baby. But it’s not always easy. Find out what can get in the way, and how you can overcome…
Premature baby attached to a tube with their parent's hand on them

Tips for changing your baby's nappy

Changing your premature or sick baby’s nappy is a great way to be involved in their care on the neonatal unit.
Baby wrapped in blanket sleeping on mother's chest with her hand on the baby's back

Tips for making the most of your time on the…

View our animation and listen to our podcast for tips and parent stories on getting involved on the unit.

Getting involved in your baby's care

Find out how to make the most of your time on the unit with your baby, and how to help your baby to know your love, your touch and your care. This animation was produced with support from our partner, Pampers, and narrated by our Ambassador Lady Sarra Hoy.