- Talk with your nurse so you can decide together the best time to bring siblings to see and spend time with your baby.
- Talk with the baby’s siblings before the visit. Explain to them the hospital rules and some of the things they might see and hear while they are visiting the hospital.
- Make an appointment with a Child Life Specialist to meet the sibling before their visit so they can help explain about the NICU or the death of a sibling.
- Child Life is here to give you kid-friendly words and books that you can borrow to help talk with your child about their sibling.
- Ask your Child Life Specialist if the playroom is open for siblings.
- Ask Child Life for items like books, rattles, mobiles and/or sound machines that can help comfort your baby.
- Ask Child Life about projects like handprint molds and canvas prints that can be done with your baby and entire family as memory/keepsake items to take home.
The guidance on this page has been clinically reviewed by CHOC pediatric experts.
The contents of this webpage, including text, graphics, audio files, and videos (“Materials”), are for your general information only. The Materials are not intended to substitute qualified professional or medical advice, diagnoses, or treatments. CHOC does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, or other information that may be mentioned on or linked to this webpage. Always call your physician or another qualified health provider if you have any questions or problems. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest emergency department, or call 911.
For more health information for your family visit health.choc.org
