For Discharge

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.