Services & Specialties

Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

At the Cincinnati Children’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), your child will receive extraordinary care from experts with years of training and experience in neonatal medicine. And, you and your family will receive the support you need to get through this challenging time.

Our neonatology program is ranked among the best in the nation in the 2022-23 list of Best Children’s Hospitals, published by U.S. News & World Report. The NICU, located on the fourth and first floor of the hospital’s new Critical Care Building, is the only one in our region designated as a “Level IV.” This means we provide the most advanced care possible for premature and critically ill babies — more than 860 of them every year.

Our NICU is staffed by experienced neonatologists, advanced practice practitioners and many other pediatric specialists, as well as a highly trained, experienced nursing team. The NICU is part of Cincinnati Children’s Perinatal Institute, which is internationally recognized for its commitment to improving the life and health of all newborn babies. 

Advanced Technology, Compassionate Care

The NICU features state-of-the-art equipment and technology in an environment designed around the needs of medically fragile babies. The unit offers:

• Large, private rooms that include pull-out beds and bathrooms for overnight stays
• Natural and special lighting and acoustics to optimize brain development in babies 
• Private rooms where families can consult with the care team 
• Advanced monitoring equipment for critically ill babies

Families also can access amenities throughout the Critical Care Building, such as the exercise facility, business center and outdoor terrace.

Your child’s primary providers in the NICU will include a neonatologist, advanced practice providers, nurses and respiratory therapist. The care team will expand to include other specialists depending on your child’s needs. 

You Are Part of Your Child’s Care Team

The NICU follows the Cincinnati Children’s philosophy of family-centered care. This means we keep families informed of and involved in decisions about your baby’s care to the greatest extent possible. In turn, we encourage you to share your thoughts, concerns and ideas with the team as openly and as often as possible. We hope you will:

• Ask questions about your baby’s condition or medical care.
• Ask to see test results and scans, if you are interested or have concerns.
• Tell us if you don’t understand (or agree with) any aspect of the care plan.
• Make suggestions about how we can help your baby be more comfortable.
• Ask to meet with any provider who is involved with your child’s care if you have questions or need more information.

By working together, we can all help your child reach their full potential.

You Are Always Welcome in the NICU

Parents are welcome in the NICU at all times and encouraged to be with their babies as much as they are able. Whenever possible, we will help you engage in the simple routines of being a parent — feeding your baby, changing diapers, having skin-to-skin contact. Even for the most fragile babies, nothing replaces the touch and presence of a parent.