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💖 Sloane's Journey with Congenital Hypothyroidism: A Personal Guide for Parents Like many other pregnancy journeys of lucky parents, ours seemed pretty normal. The ultrasounds were routine, the checkups didn’t raise any red flags, and there weren’t any signs that anything was out of the ordinary. We were excited and hopeful while preparing for the arrival of baby Sloane. When the diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism came, we were absolutely shocked . I’ll be honest: It was overwhelming at first. How could something so serious not have shown up during the pregnancy? Jacob and I wrestled with fear, uncertainty, and a thousand questions. But we quickly learned that early diagnosis is EVERYTHING. Thanks to newborn screening and early treatment with thyroid hormone replacement, babies like Sloane who are diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism can go on to lead completely normal lives. Sloane’s diagnosis was identified four days after she was born, through standard newborn screening  — a routine blood test completed for every newborn. As a NICU nurse, I had completed hundreds, if not thousands, of newborn screening labs at the bedside. I never realized just how much the routine testing would affect my little family.    Even with all of my clinical experience, the emotional shock of going from a “normal” pregnancy to a serious diagnosis is something I’ll never forget. It taught me and Jacob that even when things seem perfectly fine, hidden conditions can still exist — and that early testing truly saves lives. Below, I’m going to answer a few frequently asked questions about congenital hypothyroidism to help new parents who may be struggling. I’m also going to share a few tips that I’ve learned during our journey with the condition to help your first few weeks and months go a bit more smoothly. 🌸 Congenital Hypothyroidism: An FAQ for New Parents 🌸 What Is Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH)? Congenital hypothyroidism  is a condition where a baby is born with an underactive or missing thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland  in the neck that makes hormones important for growth, brain development, and metabolism.  Early signs and symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), sleepiness/low energy, poor feeding, constipation, hoarse cry, cold hands and feet, puffy face, and an umbilical hernia. In our situation, little Sloane was a bit cooler to the touch and had a hard time regulating her temperature. If it’s not caught early, thyroid hormone deficiencies can lead to developmental delays. However, over the course of Sloane’s journey, we’ve learned that with early detection and treatment through newborn screening tests, she’ll be able to live a full, healthy life! 👶🏼 What Exactly Is a Newborn Screening Test? A newborn screening test is a simple medical test done shortly after a baby is born to check for certain serious but rare health conditions. These conditions may not show any symptoms at birth but can cause serious problems if not treated early. Each state has different conditions that they test for. You can find out more about your state’s unique newborn screening test here .  The test usually involves: A small blood sample  taken from the baby’s heel (called a heel prick) Sometimes a hearing test A heart screening  for certain conditions If CH shows up on a newborn screening, the goal is to find and treat any issues as early as possible to help the baby grow and meet all developmental milestones. Usually, treatment starts immediately after confirming the findings with thyroid stimulating hormone  (TSH/T4) lab testing.  💊 What Happens After CH Is Diagnosed? Once we got the lab test confirmation, Sloane was started on levothyroxine , the go-to medication for babies diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism. There is a standard starting dose for all babies, which is what our pediatrician started Sloane on.  We kept her on this standard dose for one month, and after that, we began monthly lab draws to track her thyroid hormone levels and make sure we were on track. Now, I’m going to be real with you—getting Sloane to take her medication wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. At first, we tried to crush up the pill form of the medicine and… yikes. We went through so many different attempts to get her to swallow it: mixing it in the tiniest bit of milk, in her bottle, and even trying a nipple... It was a challenge because she was only taking 10 mL at a time, and that made it so difficult to get her to take her meds. Sometimes it took over 30 minutes to get her to finish, and she would still leave some behind!  We got really lucky to work with a great compounding pharmacy that made her medication in liquid form. If you’re in the same boat, I HIGHLY recommend finding a pharmacy you trust to make the liquid version, if possible. Not all pharmacies are good about making it consistent, but we found one that our pediatrician recommended, and it made all the difference.  🧪 I’ve Heard of Radio-Nucleotide Uptake Scans Being Used for CH. What Are These?   A radio-nucleotide uptake scan  — sometimes called a thyroid uptake scan or thyroid scintigraphy — is a diagnostic test that uses a small amount of radioactive material (usually radioactive iodine (I-123 or I-131) or technetium-99m )   to evaluate how well the thyroid gland is functioning. After injecting the radioactive material, a gamma camera takes images of the thyroid gland to check its location, size, shape, and functioning.   For us, Sloane hasn’t had her radio-nucleotide uptake scan yet. Her doctors suggested waiting until she is around a year old because she needs to stay still for a good scan, and let’s face it—getting a tiny baby to do that without sedation is a no-go!  Also, from our endocrinologist’s perspective, she’s not too concerned about the cause of Sloane’s CH right now because it doesn’t change the plan of care—so, it can wait.  However, if your specialist thinks it’s necessary, definitely go with their recommendation. 🩺 How Often Are Doctors Appointments and Lab Draws? Sloane sees her endocrinologist once a month and her pediatrician also checks in on her monthly. Every time we visit, they’re looking at her labs, weight, head circumference, and height. They like to track these values closely.  For lab testing, we’re still on a monthly lab draw schedule for now, but the hope is that we’ll move to every other month soon.  I’m not going to lie, finding a good lab for baby’s blood draws took a little bit of trial and error. Not all labs are great with little ones, and we had to be extra picky about where we went. We found one we loved, but we were even looking into concierge lab draws in case we didn’t find a good fit. Tips and Tricks for New Parents 📝 Take Notes of EVERYTHING After Sloane’s diagnosis, I started taking notes at every doctor’s appointment and lab draw. I keep a detailed record  of our endocrinologist’s words of wisdom and advice, along with the projected plan for the foreseeable future. I keep a copy of all important phone numbers and Sloane’s insurance card with these notes as well, so that I have all of her important medical information in one place. Trust me, it’s a lot to take in, especially in the first few weeks and months. Coupled with all of the other challenges of new motherhood (breastfeeding, postpartum changes, etc.) I wanted to make sure I remembered everything correctly.  🩸Find Lab Draw Tricks That Work For Your Baby Lab draw appointments can be stressful for parents and babies. Having a few tricks up your sleeve makes the whole experience less traumatic for everyone. Here are a few things that REALLY work for us:   Pre-lab draw feeding:  Milk just before a feed makes Sloane a little drowsier and happier than she would be otherwise. Plus, it helps hydrate her and plump up her veins so that the blood draw is more successful! Warm and numb the injection site:  While holding Sloane in the waiting room, we always apply a warm pack to the injection site. Some parents like using numbing cream (usually Emla) as well to make the needle insertion less painful. Do whatever seems to work best for your baby. This is definitely a trial-and-error experience! Buzzy Bee trick 🐝:  If you don’t already know about the Buzzy Bee , let me just say, it’s a game-changer for lab draws! I help hold Sloane, and Jacob applies the Buzzy on top of the injection site—it combines a little vibration and cold, which distracts from the pain and makes the whole process way easier for her. For Babies With CH, Comfort Is Key Babies with congenital hypothyroidism are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so you’ll want to make sure you can keep them cozy and comfortable. Sloane loves: Warmer temperatures:  We generally keep her room thermostat set between 68–72°F (20–22°C) Soft layers:  I’m talking cozy onesies , swaddle blankets , etc.  Heated surfaces: Sloane’s heated blanket  has been a Godsend! We bring it with us on overnight trips to make sure she’s comfortable, no matter where she sleeps.  Massages and skin care:  CH can cause dry skin in babies, so we’re really mindful about the detergents  and skin care products  we use with her. Our favorites right now are LINKS Endless cuddles:  Babies with hypothyroidism often have a quiet temperament and love cuddles all day, every day! For me, a comfortable baby carrier  has been a GODSEND for the days when Sloane simply won’t let me put her down!  You’ve Got This, New Parents! I know dealing with a diagnosis like this can feel overwhelming, but trust me—if you’re a new parent trying to take everything in, you're doing amazing! Jacob and I have learned through this experience that raising a child with special medical needs truly takes a village. Even though I was a NICU nurse for years, I’m still learning how to handle the stresses and challenges! Remember: early detection and treatment are key, and with the right care, your baby can thrive. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician and endocrinologist with any questions. You’ve got this, and your baby is in great hands! Tori Meskin, MSN, RNC-NIC, has been a passionate NICU clinician since 2012, specializing in acute care and inpatient neonatal settings throughout Southern California. Board-certified in neonatal intensive care, she also brings extensive experience as a travel NICU nurse. Tori is the co-founder of NICUity, a modern resource hub empowering NICU professionals with hands-on tools, education, and community support. As a mother, wife, and entrepreneur, she shares her journey balancing life at the bedside with motherhood, marriage, content creation, and building a brand. Discover her latest tips, tools, and insights at www.tipsfromtori.com  or reach out at abbysocialmgmt@gmail.com .

Whether you are a new mama, future mama, or baby caretaker, this is an up-to-date baby basics blog to help guide you with the best newborn practices! These are a few basic hospital practices mixed with professional practice TIPS to help you in your newborn journey. 3 GOALS To Prepare Before Discharge Home: Research and choose a Pediatrician! Depending on your birth hospital/setting, they may have a list of Pediatricians in network. Create an emergency contacts list including a Pediatrician, Police/Fire Departments, you and your partners’ (if applicable) work/cell phone numbers, and the poison control center. Talk to your discharge planner (MD, Nurse or Midwife) for follow-up appointments. HOT TIP: It is never too early to start getting organized! You will most likely be exhausted and overwhelmed. Start creating a list and calendar to help stay on top of important things such as feeding and medication schedules, well-baby checks, immunizations, etc. You can create a note on your phone with important phone numbers, dates, doctors etc. SAFETY While you can’t anticipate every situation that could arise regarding your infants’ safety, there are some tips you should know and share with others who will be care taking for your baby. A FEW SAFETY BASICS ♡ Properly support your baby’s head and neck ♡ Do not heat breast milk directly on the stove or in the microwave Instead: Place the bottle or sealed container of milk into a bowl of warm water or hold it under warm, but not hot, running water for a few minutes. Test the milk's temperature before feeding it to your baby by putting a few drops on your wrist. ♡ Explain your baby’s needs to older siblings ♡ Lock away all medicine cabinets and household cleaners ♡ Practice crib safety by not using drop-down cribs or putting stuffed animals or pillows in the crib ♡ Practice toy safety (balloons are the leading cause of toy-related deaths) ♡ Maintain a smoke-free environment for baby and install smoke detectors BABY ESSENTIALS FOR FIRST 3 MONTHS Car seat Onesies, or other soft outfits Baby sleepers or sleep sacks Baby socks Newborn hats, depending on climate Disposable diapers or cloth diapers (and detergent for washing) Disposable wipes or 12 cloth wipes Diaper rash cream Waterproof pad for diaper changes Diaper pail or receptacle Baby washcloths Hooded towels Baby sponge Baby bath wash Baby lotion Baby bath tub Baby nail clippers Digital thermometer Medicine dropper Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator Crib, cradle, or bassinet Fitted sheets and mattress cover for crib, cradle, or bassinet Burp cloths Bottles, if you're bottle-feeding and bottle brush A variety of bottle nipples, in different sizes Breastfeeding pillow, nursing pads, and nipple cream Breast pump Newborn Essentials on Amazon SAFE SLEEP "DO'S AND DON'TS" Setting up a safe sleep area for your baby can be done before baby is home. It is recommended that the baby’s sleep area is in the same room, next to where parents sleep for observation. The sleep surface should be firm and flat, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet. For the safest environment, babies should never sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or in a chair alone, with you or anyone else. When putting your baby to bed, remember to keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of the sleep area and that nothing is covering the baby’s head. Do not use a loose blanket, (to avoid occluding baby's airway and be sure not to over-bundle. A wearable blanket (sleep sack) is great for sleepwear and swaddling is recommended for safe sleep. ALWAYS PLACE BABY ON THEIR BACK TO SLEEP FOR NAPS AND NIGHT SAFE SLEEPS DO'S TO REDUCE SIDS RISK ♡ Always place baby on their BACK to sleep. ♡ Use a firm and flat sleep surface. ♡ Share your room with baby but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for baby’s first year but at least for the first 6 months. ♡ Breastfeed your baby if possible for the many health benefits and to reduce the risk of SIDS. ♡ Give your baby a pacifier for naps and nighttime sleep. ♡ Give your baby plenty of tummy time when they are awake and someone is watching. SAFE SLEEP DONT'S TO REDUCE SIDS RISK ♡ Do not smoke during pregnancy or allow smoking around your baby or in their environment. ♡ Do not put soft objects, toys, crib bumpers or loose bedding under baby, over baby, or anywhere in baby’s sleep area. ♡ Avoid products that go against safe sleep recommendations and exercise special caution on products that claim to prevent or reduce the risk for SIDS. ♡Do not use heart or breathing monitors in the home as a way to reduce the risk of SIDS. ♡ Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep. HOW TO PERFORM CPR ON A BABY It is always good to feel prepared in case of an emergency. Here is a great video to help you understand and practice CPR in case you may need it for your baby. This is also a skill to share with other caretakers of your baby (grandparents, family members, sitter etc.) SWADDLING Swaddling is a traditional practice of wrapping a baby up gently in a light, breathable blanket to help them feel calm and sleepy. A swaddle helps your baby feel safe and secure as she adjusts to life outside the womb. Swaddling helps prevent her from flailing her arms and legs, which can trigger her startle reflex and potentially cause her to wake up. A swaddle keeps your baby cozy and warm until her internal thermostat kicks into gear. The idea is that being swaddled will help your little one feel snug and secure, just like in your womb. It’s true that swaddling isn’t entirely risk-free. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that swaddling can encourage your newborn to snooze better — as long as it’s done correctly and practiced in accordance with other safe sleep guidelines . To encourage healthy hip development, the bottom of the swaddle should be loose enough for your baby’s legs to stay bent up and out, like they naturally would in a newborn lying on her back without a swaddle. You'll also want to ensure the swaddle allows your baby to straighten and stretch her legs at will. Wrapping your baby the right way will encourage your little one to sleep more soundly while giving you peace of mind (so you can get some sleep yourself!). Some important swaddling safety tips to keep in mind: Swaddle snugly, but not too snugly. At the top of the swaddle, you should be able to fit two to three fingers between the blanket and your baby’s chest. The bottom of the swaddle should be loose enough so your baby’s legs stay bent and flared out. Always put your baby to sleep on her back. It’s the safest position, whether you’re swaddling or not. Be sure to tuck the bottom of the blanket underneath your baby too. Keep your baby normothermic. Swaddling could cause overheating, which can raise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Keep the room at a comfortable temperature (between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round). And resist the urge to bundle your baby in extra layers — a pair of pajamas and the swaddle blanket are likely enough to keep her comfy. Sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash and rapid breathing are all possible signs that your baby might be too hot. As a general rule of thumb, dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear. Swaddle for nighttime sleep and naps. Swaddling can help your baby sleep more soundly during the day and at night. If tucking her into a little burrito blanket for hours overnight makes you nervous, know that as long as you stick with safe swaddling and sleep guidelines, swaddling at bedtime isn’t any riskier than swaddling during naps. You’ll also have plenty of built-in opportunities to check on her, since she’s frequently waking to eat. But if checking her swaddle while she sleeps gives you extra peace of mind, feel free to peek more often. Here's a step-by-step guide below for how to swaddle a newborn like a pro, the keys for sticking with safe swaddling techniques. Day to Day Feedings Cues your baby is ready to feed: Rooting (baby turns his/her head when the side of the cheek or face is stroked) Baby demonstrates a good, strong suck on the pacifier Baby is calm and stable during care time Baby is awake or wakes up during care time Baby demonstrates appropriate strength in their body (tone) alone or with swaddling and support, and can remain awake for several minutes at a time. BREASTFEEDING (FIRST FEW WEEKS) Nurse until baby self-detaches (some babies will need to be time-limited due to diagnosis and overexertion). Nurse from one breast to ensure that your baby gets enough of the hind milk. If your baby is still hungry, offer the second breast but be sure to burp the baby when they switch breasts. The breast should feel softer following a feed. You may need to pump after breastfeeding until at least your baby’s due date (NICU) Breastfed babies will have at least 8-12 feeds in 24 hours (every 2-3 hours). TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING FROM BOTTLE TO BREAST The key to a successful transition is to give it time, patience and persistence! In fact, it takes some women several weeks to transition from bottle to breast. I can’t recommend a lactation consultant enough if you are transitioning from bottle feeding to exclusively breastfeeding. They are a great resource, as each situation is unique! BOTTLE Bottle-fed infants will feed every 3-4 hours (which is 6-8 feeds in 24 hours). Like breastfed infants, bottle-fed infants should sleep well between feeds and have 6-8 wet diapers daily. Burp your baby both during and after feeding (or every 1-2 ounces.) The air can cause gas and make the baby uncomfortable. If doing a combination of bottle and breast, breastfeed first, offer a bottle after breastfeeding and pump for 10 minutes (triple feeding protocol). If you are exclusively pumping, pump for 20 minutes both sides 8x in 24 hours. HOT TIP: use your phone. Place a timer on every 3 hours to help keep you on track TIPS FOR PROPER BREAST MILK STORAGE Before expressing or handling breast milk: Wash your hands well with soap and water. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Mothers can express breast milk by hand or with a manual or electric pump. If using a pump, inspect the pump kit and tubing to ensure it is clean. Discard and replace moldy tubing immediately. If using a shared pump, clean pump dials, power switch, and countertop with a disinfectant wipe. (NICU) BREAST MILK STORAGE TIPS Clearly label the breast milk with the date it was expressed. Do not store breast milk in the door of the refrigerator or freezer. This will help protect the breast milk from temperature changes from the door opening and closing. If you don’t think you will use freshly expressed breast milk within 4 days, freeze it right away. This will help to protect the quality of the breast milk. When freezing breast milk: Store small amounts to avoid wasting milk that might not be finished. Store in 2 to 4 ounces or the amount offered at one feeding. If you deliver breast milk to a child care provider, clearly label the container with the child’s name. Talk to your child care provider about any other requirements for labeling and storing breast milk. Breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when you are traveling. At your destination, use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it. Safe Thawing of Breast Milk Always thaw the oldest breast milk first. Remember first in, first out. Over time, the quality of breast milk can decrease. There are several ways to thaw your breast milk: In the refrigerator overnight. Set in a container of warm or lukewarm water. Under lukewarm running water. Never thaw or heat breast milk in a microwave. Microwaving can destroy nutrients in breast milk and create hot spots, which can burn a baby’s mouth. If you thaw breast milk in the refrigerator, use it within 24 hours. Start counting the 24 hours when the breast milk is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer. Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, use it within 2 hours. Never refreeze breast milk after it has thawed. Swirl the breast milk to mix the fat, which may have separated. If your baby did not finish the bottle, use the leftover milk within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be discarded. TRANSITION TIPS FROM A LACTATION TEAM Massage your breasts or hand express to start milk flow before putting the infant to breast. Pay close attention to the position, especially supporting the baby’s head to your breast. Place your baby’s belly to your belly while holding them close for a great deep latch. Ensure your baby has an effective latch by listening for swallowing. Allow baby to self-detach. For example, if baby pulls away from breast after 10-15 minutes of sucking and appears to be content and satisfied. Log the baby’s output during this transition and get frequent weight checks by either your pediatrician or lactation consultant. After baby self-detaches, your baby may be given pumped breast milk if they show hunger cues. Pump after breastfeeding as you may not completely empty. You may need to do this the first few weeks or until the baby’s due date. As your baby matures and becomes more efficient, you will be able to increase the length of time at the breast and the number of feedings in 24 hours. SHOP NEWBORN ESSENTIALS ON AMAZON BURPING While feeding, if your baby doesn’t burp after several minutes, continue feeding, and don’t worry. When the feeding is finished, attempt again and keep the baby upright for 10-15 minutes to prevent spit up. Make sure you don’t bounce baby after feeding. If the baby cries a lot before the feeding, it may be beneficial to burp the baby before the feed or early in the feeding. DIAPERING Let’s talk about diapering your baby, diaper rash and elimination patterns. Start the habit early of checking your baby’s diaper with every feeding. When changing, clean genitals with a washcloth and warm water or fragrance-free baby wipes. For girls, remember to wipe baby from front to back (or TOP to BOTTOM) and for boys to start at the tip of the penis and then wipe the rectal area last. If the baby is uncircumcised, do not attempt to pull back from the foreskin of the penis. After cleaning, lift the scrotum and clean underneath. Keep the skin clean and dry with frequent changes to avoid diaper rash. If a rash does occur, wash with mild soap only after a bowel movement while avoiding wipes with alcohol or fragrances. Expose the bottom to air. (Oxygen can help heal the skin). WHAT ARE TYPICAL ELIMINATION PATTERNS WITH A NEWBORN? Your baby should have 6-8 wet diapers daily, many stool with diapers but some once a day (or every few days). The color and consistency may vary from bright yellow (breast milk-fed infants) to light greenish-brown (formula-fed infants). Monitor the diaper for blood, pus, or diarrhea. Call your pediatrician if your baby has fewer than 6 wet diapers a day or has two dry diapers in a row, has diarrhea, or is constipated for 48 hours. BATHING TIPS Once the umbilical cord or circumcision site heals, you can give your baby a tub bath. Bathe baby 2-3 times a week. Avoid lotions and powders. Bath before a feed or at least one hour after bedtime. Gather all of the supplies you will need before beginning the bath. Never leave a baby alone in a bath, not even for a minute. Babies can drown quickly in a few inches of water. Make sure the room is warm as babies get cold easily. Fill the tub BEFORE you put the baby in it. Water should feel warm, not hot on the inside of your wrist. Ensure your water heater is set no higher than 120F (if you can control the temperature). Never put a Qtip in your baby’s ear. For preemies, bath time can be stressful. Swaddle and wash one area gently at a time. BATHING: WHAT YOU NEED 3-5 baby washcloths 1-2 towels (hooded if you have one) 1 baby sponge 1 bottle of baby bath wash 1 bottle of baby lotion A baby bathtub TEMPERATURE-TAKING AND SUCTIONING I encourage you to ask your bedside RN how to take your baby’s temperature and how to use a bulb syringe! They are there to support YOU and answer any care questions you may have. HOW DO I USE A THERMOMETER? Take temperature when the skin feels warmer or cooler than normal, when your baby is not acting like their usual self and before calling your doctor. (They will want to know the baby's current temperature) Place the tip in your baby’s armpit. Hold the arm in the position for 5 minutes or as long as the thermometer instructions say. For newborns, do not use the pacifier, forehead, or ear thermometers per AAP. HOT TIP! Bring your thermometer into the hospital to practice with the nurse. Practice with it at the bedside to get a feel for the device and how to properly use it. Normal temperature range for baby should be 97.6 - 99.6 TIP: Dress your baby according to how you feel! Use a bulb syringe to suction your baby’s mouth and nose when necessary (stuffy nose, baby vomits, spit up, etc). Sneezing is normal for a baby, but coughing is not. If your baby vomits, remember to suction the mouth then the nose. To prevent gagging place the tip of the bulb into the side of cheek to suction. Clean the bulb syringe after using warm water and mild detergents. BEDDING AND SLEEP NEEDS Whatever bed you choose for your newborn (crib, cradle, bassinet, co-sleeper), it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that your baby sleeps in the same room with you for the first 6-12 months of life. In addition, bumpers, blankets, pillows, and soft toys are no longer recommended in baby beds. Think minimalistic. BEDDING: WHAT YOU NEED Crib, cradle, bassinet, co-sleeper, or other safe sleep space for baby. If the crib has been used before, make sure it has all of its pieces and meets current safety standards Crib mattress, or a mattress that fits properly in the cradle or bassinet Fitted sheets for crib, cradle, bassinet, or co-sleeper Waterproof crib mattress cover, unless your crib mattress is already fully sealed, or a waterproof pad to lay under the crib sheet Baby monitor DEVELOPMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS There are three common terms when it comes to developmental age (especially for Preemies!) Gestational age is the fetus’ age (calculated as the first day of mom’s last period) Chronological age is counted from the day of birth (baby’s birthday) Corrected age is defined as the chronological age minus the number of weeks or months baby is born early. TO POSITION YOUR INFANT FOR OPTIMAL DEVELOPMENT: KEEP THESE IN MIND ♡ Hold baby with legs bent and arms forward ♡ Avoid leaving baby flat on back for long periods ♡ Wrap baby snugly with legs bent and hands placed close to face ♡ When awake, lay baby on their side rather than on their back with a large blanket roll for body support (only when supervised!) Your baby should start rolling anywhere between 2-6mos old corrected gestational age and sitting up without support between 5-7mos old (corrected age). Make time for tummy time! Tummy time should be when the baby is awake only, and should last 10-20 minutes once or twice a day. Start slowly and work your way up if baby dislikes it at first! You can use a rolled towel or blanket under the shoulders and upper chest to provide support. When should you schedule a time to talk to your doctor about your baby’s development? If your baby does not use one of their arms, legs or one side of body, their legs feel stiff when not actively stretching, they don't roll over or bear weight on legs, or if they don’t sit while supported or reach for objects-make an appointment with your pediatrician. WHEN TO SCHEDULE A DOCTOR'S VISIT Vomits repeatedly or forcefully two feedings in a row. Refuses to eat more than two feedings in a row. Has less than 4 wet diapers-24 hours in spite of frequent feedings. Goes 48 hours without a bowel movement. Has diarrhea or more than 12 large stools/day or has blood in stool. If abdomen is distended and does not go down. If difficulty breathing or makes unusual sounds when breathing. If baby is lethargic and doesn’t arouse with touching or handling. Excessive swelling or drainage around eyes. Blisters or pustules on body. Thrush or patches of white in mouth. Congested cough, running eyes or nose. Drastic behavior changes include extreme irritability, excessive crying without a known cause, extreme sleepiness, or floppy arms and legs. CALL MD: Temperature under 97.6 or over 99.6 and doesn’t change with adding or removing clothes or blankets. EMERGENTLY CALL FOR HELP CALL 911 if blue lips and tongue If you are uncertain or feel urgent care is necessary I hope these Baby Basics help you as you transition to caring for your baby at home! Share these tips with a caregiver who wants to see babies THRIVE through best practices :) REFERENCES: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sudden unexpected infant death and sudden infant death syndrome: Data and statistics . Retrieved June 1, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/sids/data.htm. Shapiro-Mendoza, C. K., Camperlengo, L., Ludvigsen, R., Cottengim, C., Anderson, R. N., Andrew, T., et al. (2014). Classification system for the Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Case Registry and its application. Pediatrics, 134 (1), e210–e219. Retrieved May 3, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24913798/. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm#:~:text=Place%20the%20sealed%20container%20into,stove%20or%20in%20the%20microwave. Tori Meskin, MSN, RNC-NIC, has been a passionate NICU clinician since 2012, specializing in acute care and inpatient neonatal settings throughout Southern California. Board-certified in neonatal intensive care, she also brings extensive experience as a travel NICU nurse. Tori is the co-founder of NICUity, a modern resource hub empowering NICU professionals with hands-on tools, education, and community support. As a mother, wife, and entrepreneur, she shares her journey balancing life at the bedside with motherhood, marriage, content creation, and building a brand. Discover her latest tips, tools, and insights at www.tipsfromtori.com  or reach out at abbysocialmgmt@gmail.com .

Empowering Neonatal Care: Unleashing the Power of S.T.A.B.L.E. and ENCCO Dive in with me today on the importance of consistent Neonatal Education and my favorite resources for empowering nurses with specialized Neonatal Expertise. HealthStream is a game changer for equipping all healthcare providers with the essential skills and knowledge to make a difference in NICU care and I am SO excited to share with you two of their amazing partner programs- S.T.A.B.L.E. and ENCCO Imagine a world where the tiniest heroes among us receive the highest level of care from a team of dedicated healthcare providers. In the fast-paced realm of neonatal care, every second counts, and the well-being of these fragile infants relies on the synchronized efforts of a skilled and compassionate team. If you are a nurse, nursing student, nursing assistant or tech, respiratory therapist, pre-hospital provider or a physician, then you NEED to know about two groundbreaking programs—S.T.A.B.L.E. and ENCCO—that are revolutionizing neonatal care and empowering nurses with the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional care to our smallest patients in the nursery and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). S.T.A.B.L.E.: Building the Foundation for Safe and Stable Infant Care! S.T.A.B.L.E.’s mission is to provide evidence-based education to help reduce infant mortality and morbidity, improve neonatal outcomes and most importantly, improve the quality of life for infants and their families. S.T.A.B.L.E. targets the majority of problems that will be encountered when taking care of both well and sick infants, with a special emphasis on understanding the underlying pathophysiology of various neonatal conditions. Picture this: a neonatal care program that encompasses six essential components of infant stabilization, forming the bedrock of a holistic approach to caring for these tiny warriors. Let's go over the parts of care and the acronym: Sugar Module Infants require optimal glucose regulation and a nurturing environment to thrive. S.T.A.B.L.E. emphasizes the significance of monitoring and maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels to protect the vulnerable immature brain from hypoglycemia. . Temperature Module Preventing hypothermia and maintaining the perfect body temperature is vital for newborns who are unable to regulate it independently. S.T.A.B.L.E. equips healthcare providers by understanding how heat is lost and how vulnerable babies are to cold stress. These foundational concepts promote the infant’s well-being and reduce the risk of complications. Airway Module Superheroes need clear pathways to victory. Proper airway management is vital for stabilizing infants in need. S.T.A.B.L.E. empowers healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills to assess respiratory distress and support breathing, thus, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation for critically ill neonates. Blood Pressure Module Monitoring blood pressure and perfusion are the secret weapons for assessing neonatal circulatory status. S.T.A.B.L.E. emphasizes recognition of shock and how to treat shock, and guides healthcare providers in promptly recognizing and addressing abnormalities, helping our tiny heroes keep fighting. Lab Work Module Laboratory tests hold the keys to unlocking vital information. S.T.A.B.L.E. educates healthcare providers on interpreting laboratory results, enabling informed clinical decisions and appropriate interventions. With this knowledge, providers can make strategic decisions to help support infants in need. Emotional Support Module Every superhero needs emotional support to conquer challenges. S.T.A.B.L.E. explains the crisis that families face when their infant is sick and in need of care in an intensive care unit. Understanding the emotional impact on families helps underscore the need for compassionate care. Healthcare providers learn how to provide emotional support and guide parents through the challenges of having an infant in the NICU. 15% off S.T.A.B.L.E. discount on NurseGrid. Learn with code: TORI15 ENCCO: Guiding Nurses to Neonatal Mastery Imagine a program designed to empower nurses with specialized knowledge and skills in the NICU, providing them with the tools they need to bridge the knowledge gap and provide top notch care in various Neonatal settings- hello, ENCCO! Benefiting from ENCCO: Empowering Nurses in Various Neonatal Settings Nursing is a dynamic profession that demands continuous learning and adaptation. ENCCO recognizes the gap between academic training and the care of critically ill neonates. It collaborates with clinical content specialists and Pediatric Learning Solutions to bridge this gap effectively, empowering nurses with the knowledge they need to succeed. ENCCO offers a tailored orientation program for nurses in the NICU, focusing on refining assessment, planning, and evidence-based implementation strategies. Nurses gain a profound understanding of the complexities associated with neonatal patients, enabling them to deliver optimal care and improve patient outcomes. Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Neonatal Care with ENCCO ENCCO's mission is to enable nurses to evaluate assessment data and develop effective care plans for neonates. Through evidence-based strategies, nurses learn to identify and address the unique needs of critically ill infants. This knowledge integration empowers them to anticipate potential complications and provide timely interventions, resulting in improved patient outcomes. ENCCO places significant emphasis on developing a comprehensive understanding of common conditions experienced by neonatal patients. Nurses acquire in-depth knowledge about prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, congenital anomalies, and other prevalent issues. Armed with this expertise, nurses can promptly recognize signs of distress and provide the best possible care for newborns. We love this for us ! In the fast-paced environment of the NICU, evaluating the effectiveness of care interventions is crucial. ENCCO equips nurses with the skills to assess the impact of their care plans on critically ill neonates. By continuously monitoring and adapting their approach, nurses refine their strategies and improve patient outcomes, emerging as true superheroes of neonatal care. Join the Journey Towards Neonatal Excellence With Healthstream! I hope you feel invigorated and inspired after reading this blog about the impact of S.T.A.B.L.E. and ENCCO in the world of neonatal care. These programs have provided standardized frameworks and comprehensive training to healthcare providers, empowering them to deliver safe, consistent, and exceptional care for vulnerable infants. I can’t recommend them enough for continued education! Working in the NICU we have an amazing opportunity to nurture a generation of tiny heroes who will thrive and flourish against all odds. Explore the power of S.T.A.B.L.E. and ENCCO programs, share this post with others passionate about neonatal care, and together, let's unleash the full potential of neonatal care and create a brighter future of care for our tiniest patients and their families. Will you join me in this mission to make a lasting impact on the lives of our smallest and most courageous warriors? By prioritizing continued education regarding Neonatal Care, we can be the start of change and advancement that our healthcare system desperately needs! More About HealthStream HealthStream understands the challenges that come with navigating an ever-evolving and intricate healthcare landscape. They are your trusted partner in maximizing resources and elevating the quality of care provided by your organization. With HealthStream, your organization gains access to the most innovative and proven applications, content and solutions available in the healthcare industry. They understand the importance of empowering staff to excel in their roles and have meticulously crafted solutions that facilitate operational improvement and efficiency. They shape a brighter future for healthcare, where resources are optimized, staff members are empowered, and the highest quality of care is delivered. Join HealthStream, where they are united with clinicians with passion to make a difference. HealthStream, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSTM) provides workforce and provider solutions for healthcare organizations in the United States. Find out about these programs and more on healthstream.com ! To learn more about how ENCCO and S.T.A.B.L.E. can benefit your organization, please visit HealthStream's Child and Maternal page: https://hs.healthstream.com/Nurse-Tori-Child-Maternal To purchase S.T.A.B.L.E. for yourself at a 15% off discount, visit HealthStream's NurseGrid Learn page. https://hs.healthstream.com/Nurse-Tori-NurseGrid *Secure your 15% off S.T.A.B.L.E. discount on NurseGrid Learn with this code: TORI15 Tori Meskin, MSN, RNC-NIC, has been a passionate NICU clinician since 2012, specializing in acute care and inpatient neonatal settings throughout Southern California. Board-certified in neonatal intensive care, she also brings extensive experience as a travel NICU nurse. Tori is the co-founder of NICUity, a modern resource hub empowering NICU professionals with hands-on tools, education, and community support. As a mother, wife, and entrepreneur, she shares her journey balancing life at the bedside with motherhood, marriage, content creation, and building a brand. Discover her latest tips, tools, and insights at www.tipsfromtori.com  or reach out at abbysocialmgmt@gmail.com .

Tori Meskin has been a dedicated clinician since 2012, working in acute care and inpatient NICU settings in Southern California. She holds a National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) and has extensive experience as a travel NICU nurse. Tori is a sponsored MSN student at Capella University and a Brave Beginnings Ambassador. She recently launched NICUity, a company dedicated to empowering NICU professionals with education, bedside tools, and resources. Follow her journey as she navigates the Tori Meskin MSN RNC-NIC 01 About Me I started working as a Registered Nurse in 2013. I now have over 10 years of neonatal and pediatric critical care experience. Over the years, I’ve learned valuable lessons and formed meaningful connections with coworkers, patients, and their families that will affect the rest of my life! I share many of these insights with you here :) 03 Experience I have served as a specialty NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN serving patients in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. In these positions, I’ve provided direct patient care, leadership, consultation, education and patient care management expertise for the complex neonatal & pediatric patient populations. In each position, I’ve focused on mentoring fellow NICU RNs in my unit and those around the globe. My diversified clinical experiences have helped make me the nurse I am today! 02 Education I graduated from The University of Arizona (beardown) with a dual major in Nursing and Psychology. Most recently in 2024, I graduated with my Master’s Degree in Nursing Leadership. 04 Experience I am trained to work in specialized areas, including Small Baby Units, and Surgical NICUs (treating cardiothoracic, gastrointestinal, neurosurgical, and congenital anomalies). I’ve also worked as part of a clinical Body Cooling Team, protecting tiny babies and helping them recover after a difficult birth. More about Tori we love the juice 05 NICUity Co-founder In 2024, I launched my own company –NICUity. I created this company with a goal of empowering NICU professionals through comprehensive support, education, and innovation, while fostering confidence and competence for delivering exceptional care to NICU patients and their families. Check out our website , which is chock full of NICU provider tools, education, and resources! 07 Podcast In March 2020, I founded The Cellfie Show , a podcast dedicated to sharing stories from all angles of healthcare. On our show, we interview health professionals, entrepreneurs, innovative businesses, homeopathic practitioners, addiction specialists, therapists & coaches, social media personalities, mental health specialists, patient and family perspectives, and people of interest, learning from their journeys in life and on the job. 06 Social Media I began blogging in 2018 and became an ambassador for Brave Beginnings a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure ventilators and essential neonatal equipment are available to newborns in critical need. I was featured on their 2019 PSA with John Cena to help bring awareness to their mission. 08 Keynote Speaker I began keynote speaking in 2022 and have had the honor of presenting at NANN, the Audrey Harries Foundation of Neonal Nurses, and contributing on panels at NeoHeart. Nurse Blog There are few places to find support, information or insight into the real nursing world. Most blogs out there aren’t able to show a comprehensive picture of what it’s like for us at work and off the job! With Tips From Tori, I wanted to bring you a bit of nursing advice & real life fun as well. I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it. take me there To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Nurse blog. NICU nurse. Nurse podcast. Best new podcast! Real nurse story. TOP 30 in Medical Podcasts. Tips from Tori & The Cellfie Show Podcast. From her nursing journey, nurse grad school journey, travel nursing, NICU nurse 101, beauty, health & fitness & living a spicy lifestyle. Hey There! I'm Tori Meskin MSN RNC-NIC Nurse. Blogger. Content Creator. Welcome To Tips From Tori. My zesty blog With an informative & trendy side of the medical field. Welcome Hey friend 👋🏼 I started this blog to share the real side of nurse life—both the wins and the wild moments. Over time, it’s grown into something so much more. From bedside shifts to brand collabs with major names in healthcare, this space is all about keeping it real, helpful, and a little bit fun. Read More Glad you're here My mission? Still simple: to help nurses (new and seasoned) feel confident, empowered, and supported. You’ll find top-tier NICU content, nurse life tips, career resources, beauty + lifestyle inspo, and plenty of behind-the-scenes realness. Welcome to Tips From Tori—we’re so glad you’re here 💉💅🏼 The Best Push Present for a New Mom: A Personalized, Timeless Treasure 7 12 Example Nurse Interview Questions ALL BLOGS 261 Common NICU Terms A-Z NURSE BLOG 3,846 5 Reasons to Become a Nurse In Tucson ALL BLOGS 103 Holiday Healthcare Gift Guide PRODUCTS 323 What Does a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Do? All You Need to Know ALL BLOGS 174 1 2 3 4 5 Nurse Tori x Elliot Young Elliot Young Fine Jewelry is created on the premise of making an impact while doing what they love! I have teamed up with EY a company founded by two women on a mission to make an impact! Together, we created this small collection of timeless,14K Gold pieces that can be worn in any setting. The Hamsa and an Evil Eye, are protective signs and believed to bring its owner happiness, luck, health, peace, and good fortune. And the Beaded Necklace brings strength, wisdom, power, and energy. The Threaders and Hoops are great everyday lightweight earrings that combine style with wearability. They are fine Jewelry pieces and will maintain their shine through shifts, showers, and daily wear. When you use my IMPACT CODE on these two necklaces and two pairs of earrings at checkout: NURSETORI25 you will get 25% off AND Elliot Young will donate 5% to one of my favorite orgs: Brave Beginnings A foundation which helps support NICUs provide essential equipment to hospitals in need. I hope you wear these with good fortune. Sending you heath and happiness! XO Tori SHOP THE COLLECTION PREMIUM NURSE CONTENT EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to CAREER TOOLS & RESOURCES. THE COMPLETE NURSE INTERVIEW GUIDE. NICU NURSE INSIGHTS & MORE. complete with all of my HOT tips & tricks to land your dream job. TAKE ME THERE

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