If you plan on buying them something consider:
1. Really good lotion! Parents must do a 3 minute scrub each time they enter 
the NICU. This is really tough on the skin!
2. Gift cards for gas, groceries, food, coffee, etc.
3. A journal and nice pens.
4. Books to read to their baby.
5. Music to play to their baby.
6. Grab and go food.
7. Small travel coolers for food and or breast milk.
8. Special gifts and/or activities for siblings.
If you plan to do something for them:
1. Cook meals that can be reheated.
2. Mow/shovel etc.
3. Take care of family pets.
4. Provide transportation.
5. Babysit other children
6. Be available to help in case of emergencies (especially in the middle of the night)
Ask what the family needs. They might not know what they need right away. Give them some suggestions. Accept “no” for an answer.
Don’t tell them that “it’s OK.” Their baby is in the hospital-even if the baby will be okay, it does not FEEL “okay!”
NICU experiences can be very traumatic and stressful regardless of the length of stay. Expect strong emotions and possibly even unexpected behaviors.
