The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has 60 critical care beds including 28 private rooms and 32 semi-private rooms in a "pinwheel" configuration of beds/incubators. The pinwheel configuration allows nurses to carefully monitor babies in a centrally organized location while ensuring family privacy. Our NICU features sound-absorbing ceiling and rubber-backed flooring to absorb and suppress sounds. Scientific research shows that low-light level, quiet and privacy supports a baby's overall brain development, physiological stability and aids in the development of a regulated sleep and wake cycle. Read more about what makes our NICU a nationally recognized “Center of Neonatal Excellence.”

Family and Patient Amenities

Focused on family-centered care, The Children's Hospital has many family-friendly spaces and amenities in the NICU for your support and comfort.

- Sleep rooms are available for parents within the NICU.

- Family lounges with internet access, beverages, reading materials.

- Family kitchen and laundry area.

- Wireless internet access throughout the hospital.

- Large waiting areas for family and friends.

- Mother’s Milk Lab, with lactation rooms, state-of-the-art storage portable Medela breast pumps

Art and Color Therapy

Since we know this can be a stressful time for families, we have added special touches to help ease your stay. For example:

- A tranquil color theme adds to the healing environment with soft, reflective and calming colors.

- Specially designed fabrics with playful imagery bring a sense of youthfulness, while also fighting germs. The entrance to each private room features playful etched imagery, such as moose and flower windmills, to create a play of motion each time the doors open and close.

- The waiting area features sunny views to the outdoor courtyard below to bring a sense of cheer and hope to families.