NICU
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, is a specialist hospital ward that provides around-the-clock medical care for newborns who are critically ill, very premature, or born with significant health complications. Babies in the NICU may need breathing support such as a ventilator or CPAP, intravenous nutrition, heart monitoring, or surgical interventions. NICU teams include neonatologists, specialist nurses, and respiratory therapists. Parents are encouraged to visit and do skin-to-skin contact, called kangaroo care, which supports bonding and recovery. A NICU stay can range from days to many months depending on how early or unwell the baby is.
What This Means for You
Understanding NICU is an important part of your newborn journey. In your baby's first year, you will hear this term from your paediatrician and in parenting communities. Knowing what it means helps you respond quickly and confidently.
Explore our Baby hubGood to Know
KKH and NUH run the largest NICUs in Singapore and accept complex transfers from private hospitals. Many parents find NICU stays emotionally overwhelming, so both hospitals offer social work support and parent-to-parent peer programs.
Related Terms
Source: https://medlineplus.gov/infantandnewborncare.html
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Free Tools for Singapore Parents
Put your knowledge into action with our free calculators and trackers.