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Kidz Care Children's Hospital

Your Baby in the NICU: What Parents Should Know

What a Level 2 NICU is, the equipment you'll see, how you can help care for your baby, and what to expect before going home.

Newborn · 5 min read · Updated 28 September 2026

Key points

  • A Level 2 NICU cares for babies who need close monitoring and support.
  • Parents are part of the care team — your touch and your milk help your baby.
  • Skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care supports warmth, feeding and bonding.
  • Ask questions — the team will explain every step.

See a doctor now if you notice

  • After discharge: poor feeding or not waking for feeds
  • Fast breathing, pauses in breathing or blue lips
  • Fever or feeling cold to touch
  • Yellow colour returning or spreading
24-hour emergency: +91 97012 05206

What is a Level 2 NICU?

A Level 2 NICU (special care nursery) cares for babies born a little early, babies with low birth weight, and newborns with problems such as breathing difficulty, infection, low sugar or jaundice needing treatment.

Equipment you may see

The machines can look worrying, but each one has a simple job.

  • Radiant warmer — keeps your baby at a steady temperature
  • Monitors and pulse oximeter — track heart rate, breathing and oxygen
  • CPAP or high-flow oxygen — gentle breathing support
  • Phototherapy lights — treat jaundice
  • Syringe pumps — give fluids and medicines precisely

How you can help

Wash your hands every time before touching your baby. Talk to and touch your baby gently. Expressed breast milk is the best food for a NICU baby, and skin-to-skin care helps once the doctor says it is safe.

Questions parents ask

When can my baby go home?

Usually when your baby is breathing comfortably, keeping warm, feeding well and gaining weight. The doctor will explain the plan.

Will my baby need follow-up?

Yes. NICU babies are followed up for growth, development, vaccines and, where needed, eye and hearing checks.

This guide is general health information for parents. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a visit to your child's doctor. If you are worried, call us — we are open 24 hours for emergencies.

How we can help

Level 2 NICU at Kidz Care Children's Hospital

Level 2 NICU

Specialised neonatal intensive care with round-the-clock monitoring for our tiniest patients.

Phototherapy at Kidz Care Children's Hospital

Phototherapy

Gentle phototherapy for newborns with jaundice, using advanced double-surface units.

Warmer & CPAP at Kidz Care Children's Hospital

Warmer & CPAP

Advanced warmer and CPAP support to stabilise and care for fragile newborns.