Babies usually go home close to their due date. In general, the earlier gestation a baby is born, the longer the hospital stay. Babies are ready for discharge when:
- They no longer require intravenous therapy.
- They are taking all their feeds by breast and/or bottle.
- They have steady weight gain.
- They are no longer experiencing episodes of bradycardia or apnea.
- They sleep on their back in an open crib or cot and maintain their temperature.
- Following Milestones to Discharge
Use this checklist as a guide to help you prepare to bring your baby home.
- Get comfortable bathing and dressing your baby.
- Get comfortable changing your baby’s diaper.
- Know how to breastfeed and/or bottle feed your baby.
- Know how to give your baby their medicine.
- Room-in overnight with your baby before going home.
- Ask who to call if you have a question about caring for your baby once your baby is discharged.
- Read through your car seat manual and practice putting your car seat in your car.
- Get your baby’s things ready at home, like crib, clothes, blankets, diapers and bottles
- View the 'Preparing for baby: The essential shopping list' web page.
- View the 'Advising visitors to your home on infection control' web page.
