Your Baby’s Transfer to the NICU

We know how scary it can be when your baby is being transferred to another hospital. At CHOC, you can rest assured your baby will be in the safest hands and receive the best care possible, no matter their needs.

What is a NICU?

• NICU stands for neonatal intensive care unit.
• Sometimes, newborns require special medical care right after birth.
• If a baby arrives early or has health problems, they may need to be admitted to the NICU.
• Once in the NICU, newborns receive around-the-clock medical attention.

Who is transferring my baby?

Your baby will be transported by a highly trained team that knows exactly what to do in any situation. Under the guidance of a neonatologist, the CHOC Transport Team includes registered nurses, respiratory care practitioners and medical technicians.

Where is my baby being transferred?

Your baby will be transferred to one of three CHOC NICUs, depending on the type of care they need.

• CHOC Hospital offers the only NICU in Orange County that is Level 4, the highest rating available. This NICU has special units for neurological, heart and surgical care if needed.
• The Small Baby Unit at CHOC Hospital cares for babies born at 27 weeks’ gestation or less or who weigh less than 1,000 grams.
• The CHOC NICU within St. Joseph Hospital is specially equipped to care for babies with moderate medical needs.

Can I go with my baby?

Yes, most times a parent or guardian may ride in the ambulance or helicopter. This depends on how sick your baby is and the pilot’s decision based on safety conditions. In some cases, a baby’s mother may need to stay behind at the hospital to be treated.

What do I do when I get to CHOC?

If you or another guardian rides with your baby, you will enter the NICU with your baby and the Transport Team. If you arrive separately, please enter the driveway under the red awning on Pepper Street. You may valet your car or proceed to the parking garage. Enter the main entrance of the hospital and visit the front desk on the first floor. Once you are checked in, we will direct you to the unit where your baby has been admitted.

What happens when my baby gets to the NICU?

• The NICU can seem overwhelming with all of the sounds, lights and activity. All of this is helping us get to know your baby and create a personalized plan.
• Once your baby is settled in, we will help you understand the way things work and begin to work together as a team.
• We will provide an update on your baby right away. If the baby’s mother remains at another hospital, a neonatologist will call within 24 hours to give an update.

How can I be involved in my baby’s care?

At CHOC, you are an important part of your baby’s team.

• Questions. Please feel free to ask your care team questions freely and often.
• Daily rounds. Your baby’s care team visits your bedside daily. We encourage you to participate and ask questions.
• NicoBoard. This app on a provided tablet or your personal device gives you updates on your baby’s status and educational information.
• NICVIEW. Your nurse will give you access to a secure webcam on your baby’s bed, allowing you to see live video of your baby if you are away.

Will my baby be transferred back to my home hospital?

Once your baby completes their care at CHOC, they may be ready to go home, or they may be transferred back to your home hospital for continued care.

This short video will describe what to expect while checking-in when your baby is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit or NICU or Small Baby Unit at CHOC Hospital.

This short video will describe what you can expect when getting settled into the neonatal intensive care unit or NICU at CHOC Hospital.

This short video will describe what you can expect during your baby’s stay in in the neonatal intensive care unit or NICU at CHOC Hospital.