Helping your Neonate cope with the Hospital
Neonate 0-30 days old
Neonates can sense if you are stressed or anxious, so be prepared. The more prepared you are the more relaxed you will be around your baby. It is important to keep your baby’s routines and environment as normal as possible. Bring your baby’s favorite comfort items like a blanket, toy or pacifier. It may also be helpful to bring a familiar bottle for after surgery. Also, understand that baby’s get fussy in new and uncomfortable situations, so be prepared to distract and comfort your baby.
Developmental milestones:
• Startle reflex: when moved quickly or hears loud noises
• Suckling reflex: sucks on anything placed in mouth
• Rooting reflex: opens mouth and turns head toward
side where cheek is stroked
• Grasps anything placed in hand and then just lets go
• Focuses on anything 8-10 inches away
• Hearing is fully mature
• Moves head side to side while laying on stomach
• Begins to gurgle coo, and grunt
Hospital Stressors:
• Startles to loud noise and sudden movement
• Blinks in response to bright light
• Basic needs may be impaired
• Caregiver involvement may be limited
Coping behaviors:
• Crying
• Sucking
• Quiets to soft music, singing or touching
• Soothes when swaddled in blanket or rocked
How to help neonates cope with hospitalization:
• Caregiver presence and participation in care
• Caregiver contact (hospital staff may need to show
caregiver how to hold neonate with equipment)
• Avoid quick movements
• Decrease noise level and bright light
• Avoid hunger and maintain warm room temperature
• Talk in a soft soothing voice 8-12 inches away from face
• Sound soother/ mobile
• Comfort items like a blanket and or wubanub
• Caregiver education
• Interdisciplinary care conference
Pain management and distraction techniques:
• Light up toys
• Soft music
• Comfort positioning
• Sweet ease (sucrose on pacifier)
• Rocking and soothing to return to normal