Behind the scenes of the NICU
When you can’t be at your baby’s bedside, we know your heart is. That’s why our NICU team cares for your baby like their own. We nurture not only their physical needs, but also their emotional and developmental growth.
Talking is part of their care
When your baby is alert and ready to connect, our team uses every opportunity to talk and engage. These everyday routines become rich opportunities to support your baby’s growing brain.
For example, during a diaper change, a nurse might say, “Let’s get you into a fresh diaper. You’ll feel much better soon.” If your baby is fussy, they may respond with comfort: “I hear you. Let’s get you cozy again.” Sometimes, they share a story about their day or describe what the NICU room looks like. These conversations are soothing and intentional.
Words foster connection and brain growth
We speak to your baby using full sentences. While baby talk may seem playful, speaking clearly and consistently helps your baby start to understand the rhythm and meaning of words. This lays the foundation for how they’ll learn to communicate.
Every word your baby hears contributes to healthy brain development. Even when they can’t respond with words, their brain is busy listening, learning and growing.
Your baby is never alone
While your baby is in the NICU, know that our team is present, talking, caring and connecting. These moments help your baby feel safe, loved and supported. Because in the NICU, every interaction is a chance to make a difference.
Creating an enriching NICU environment
There are many meaningful ways to connect with your baby during their NICU stay. Every baby is unique, so what works for one may not be right for another. Before trying a new activity, talk with your NICU care team to see what’s appropriate for your baby’s developmental stage.
Follow your baby’s lead
If an activity doesn’t feel positive or enjoyable for you or your baby, it’s OK to stop. Your NICU team can help you find other ways to engage that feel natural and comforting.
Soften your voice
Dr. Amanda “Shae” Evans, director of the NICU for Wellstar Pediatrics, encourages caregivers to interact “a little bit differently” in the NICU. Try speaking in a softer tone or even humming instead of using words. You can hum a song, a rhyme or even a book. Humming lowers your voice’s frequency and mimics the sounds your baby heard in the womb, which may feel soothing and familiar.
Talk about anything
Tell your baby about your day or ask them about theirs. Pause so they can respond in their own way—with eye contact, small movements or sounds. These early exchanges are the beginning of conversation.
Narrate your actions
Explain what you’re doing as it happens. Diaper changes, bath time or dressing your baby are great times to talk through each step.
Help your baby prepare to eat
Start speaking softly about 10 minutes before feeding time. This helps your baby ease into a calm, quiet state and be ready for feeding.
Read or tell stories
Many Wellstar NICUs have books available, but you can bring your favorites from home. Point to the pictures, use different voices for characters and have fun with it. It’s OK if you only read a few pages—your baby will still benefit.
Repeat your favorite stories
Babies learn through repetition. Reading the same book again and again helps strengthen your baby’s memory and language skills.
Celebrate the milestones
Mark special moments, like holidays or developmental milestones, with photos or decorations from home. These memories matter and can lift everyone’s spirits.
Limit screen time
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under 18 months, except for video calls. Babies learn best through face-to-face interactions with you.
Make a voice recording
Consider recording yourself—or a sibling or grandparent—reading or singing. Ask your care team to help play it back at a soothing, baby-safe volume.
Sing or hum
Sing your favorite lullaby or nursery rhyme in a soft tone. The sound of your voice soothes your baby.
Hold your baby, if you’re able
Nothing compares to the power of your touch. Holding your baby offers warmth, security and the sound of your heartbeat—some of the most comforting sensations they can experience.
Continue your practice at home
Small TALK doesn’t stop when you leave the NICU—it continues at home, where your voice continues to be your baby’s favorite sound. As your child’s first and best teacher, your words and attention support ongoing brain development and early communication.
Talk through daily moments
Simple routines, diaper changes, feedings and playtime are ideal opportunities to talk to your baby. Describe what you’re doing, name objects and respond to their sounds or facial expressions.
“I’m warming your bottle. You’re watching me closely. Are you getting hungry?”
These everyday conversations help build strong language pathways and emotional connections. You’re not just talking—you’re helping your baby learn how communication works.
Helpful tools for home
We recommend
pathways.org,
a trusted free resource that offers developmental tools, milestone checklists and activity ideas. Their mobile app even allows you to adjust for prematurity, giving you personalized guidance that grows with your baby. It’s a great way to support your baby’s development with confidence.
Stay tuned to your baby’s cues
At home, you won’t have the nurses and the constant monitoring of the NICU—but your baby will still give you signs. Look for early communication skills like cooing, making eye contact, responding to your voice or engaging through movement.
If something doesn’t seem quite right, like a lack of response or delays in typical behaviors, trust your instincts and talk with your baby’s care team. Don’t wait to bring it up.
Be proactive and trust your instincts
“As a caregiver, you are your baby's best advocate,” said Dr. Amanda “Shae” Evans, director of the NICU for Wellstar Pediatrics. “If your baby isn’t meeting developmental milestones and the pediatric clinician suggests waiting a month to reassess, remember that your baby was in the NICU and may be at higher risk for developmental delays. In that case, it’s OK to speak up and say, ‘I’d prefer to get a referral for an evaluation now.’”
“Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change, is strongest in the first three years,” she added. “That’s why early action is so important. Don’t wait if something feels off.”
You’ve got this
Your voice, your time and your love are what matter most. If you feel unsure or have questions, know you’re not alone. Your care team is here to guide you, cheer you on and help you feel confident at every stage of your journey.
