Decorating

When your baby is in the NICU, making their isolette or crib as “homey” as possible is important (and can be fun). This can be a challenge when your baby is surrounded by tubes, wires, and beeping machines. Each hospital has their own specific rules as to what is allowed so check with them first before bringing stuff in. Here are some ideas for what you can do:

1. A family picture – Bring in at least one photo of your family. If the picture is going in an isolette, I would advise putting the photo in a Ziploc bag because sometimes medicine or feedings can spill and this will keep it dry.


2. Message for your baby – Write a note of love, hope or inspiration to your baby. Anything that makes you feel better or happy. Put up a bible verse or favorite poem.


3. Nametag – If your hospital doesn’t make nice nametags for each baby, whip out some scrapbook supplies and make one yourself. Or use some paint or print something out on the computer.


4. Small stuffed animal – Bring in something small that doesn’t take up a lot of room. When our son was in the NICU, my sister brought a Kermit pencil topper. We took pictures of our son with the pencil topper and it helped show his growth over time.


5. Mobile – If your baby is in a crib, bring in a mobile. Our daughter absolutely loved this one. It helped her go to sleep and soothed her even among the noise of the NICU


6. Blanket – Many hospitals put blankets over the top of each isolette to block out light and noise when babies are sleeping. Make or buy a special blanket for your baby and ask the nurses to use it.