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Going home from the neonatal unit

You may have a lot to think about when you go home from the neonatal unit with your premature or sick baby. Find out more about preparing to go home, and what support is available. This information is also available as a PDF download at the bottom of this page.

Baby lying on the floor on his back looking at the camera surrounded by toys
Bliss champion on a unit talking to parents with mum holding the baby

Preparing to go home

This information is to help you prepare to leave the neonatal unit with your premature or sick baby.
Baby in incubator with an adult's hand touching the baby's face

Going home on oxygen

Find out what to expect if your premature or sick baby needs to go home from the neonatal unit on oxygen.
Dad sat on the sofa holding his baby looking at him lovingly

When you get home

Find out more about follow-up appointments and adjusting to life with your premature or sick baby after leaving the neonatal unit.
Baby asleep while mum holds his hand in hers

How you might feel when you go home

When you go home from the neonatal unit with your premature or sick baby, it is common to feel a range of different emotions.
Mum getting the pram ready while a nurse holds her baby

Medical support when you go home

When you leave the neonatal unit with your premature or sick baby, there are a number of healthcare professionals who are there to help you.
Dad holding baby while he and mum look lovingly at it

What support is available when you go home

When you come home from the neonatal unit with your premature or sick baby, you may not know where to go for support. Find out more here.
Baby lying comfortably on its bed while awake

If your baby is unwell when you go home

Find out what to do if you think your premature or sick baby is becoming unwell after leaving the neonatal unit.

Download 'Going home from the neonatal unit'

Download a PDF booklet of this information.

Last reviewed: January 2024. Next review date: January 2027

Written with neonatal families and reviewed by healthcare professionals

If you have any feedback about this page, please email: [email protected]