How can I help my other children understand why their sibling is in the NICU?

For young children (toddlers/preschoolers):“Your baby brother/sister was born a little earlier than expected, and their body is still learning how to eat, breathe, and grow. The NICU is like a special nursery in the hospital where doctors and nurses give babies extra help until they are strong enough to come home. The baby is safe and loved, even though we can’t all be with them all the time.”

For school-aged children:“Your sibling is in the NICU because their body still needs some practice and special care to get stronger—things like breathing, eating, or keeping warm. The NICU has special machines and nurses who are experts in helping babies grow. It doesn’t mean anything is your fault or the baby’s fault. We just need to be patient until the baby is ready to come home.”

For older children/teens:“Your sibling was born early/with some medical needs, and the NICU is the safest place for them right now. The doctors and nurses are supporting them with things their body isn’t ready to do completely on its own, like breathing or eating. It can feel scary, but the NICU team is working every day to help them get healthy enough to be at home with us.”

✨ Extra tips for helping siblings cope:

• Encourage them to ask questions.

• Involve them with small roles (drawing pictures, picking a blanket, recording a message).

• Reassure them that their sibling is loved and cared for, even if they can’t be together.

• Keep routines at home as normal as possible to help them feel secure.