Special care nursery
Abbreviation: SCN
A Special Care Nursery, sometimes called a high dependency nursery or transitional care unit, is a hospital ward for newborns who need more support than a regular postnatal ward provides but are not sick enough for the full NICU. Babies admitted here may be mildly premature, have mild jaundice needing phototherapy, low birth weight, feeding difficulties, or need close monitoring after birth. Nurses check vital signs frequently and can begin bottle or tube feeding support. Parents can usually visit freely and are actively involved in care, learning how to feed, bathe, and care for their baby before discharge.
What This Means for You
Understanding Special care nursery 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
The term used varies between Singapore hospitals: some call it the Special Care Nursery, others use High Dependency Nursery or Level 2 nursery. Ask your midwife or doctor which unit your baby is in and what visiting hours apply, as policies differ.
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.