When can a premature baby go home from the hospital?
Premature babies often need time to “catch up” in both development and growth. In the hospital, this catch-up time may involve learning to eat and sleep, as well as steadily gaining weight. Depending on their condition, premature babies often stay in the hospital until they reach the pregnancy due date.If a baby was transferred to another hospital for specialized NICU care, he/she may be transferred back to the “home” hospital once the condition is stable.Consult your baby’s physician for information about the specific criteria for discharge of premature babies at your hospital. General goals for discharge may include the following: • serious illnesses are resolved • stable temperature – able to stay warm in an open crib • taking all feedings by breast or bottle • no recent apnea or low heart rate • parents are able to provide care including medications and feedingsBefore discharge, premature babies also need an eye examination and hearing test to check for problems related to prematur
