Guidelines for Parents and Visitors

At Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital we understand the emotional stress of having a child in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). We are here to assist you every step of the way.

For your baby's safety and security, a picture ID is required of anyone entering the NICU , including parents.

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Nursery Closed Hours

The NICU is closed from 6:30 to 7:00 mornings and evenings to allow our nurses to complete their change-of-shift reports. If you are already in the unit, you will not need to leave during this time.

Ronald McDonald House

Families of critically ill children can rest and recharge in the home-away-from-home environment of the 14-bedroom Ronald McDonald House located within Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. A true collaboration between the hospital and Ronald McDonald House of Houston, the House includes seven rooms that serve the Pediatric ICU and seven more that serve the NICU.

Ronald McDonald House of Houston furnished and decorated the rooms to create a comfortable environment that includes Internet service, refreshments, books, games and other services. The House also has two large family living rooms, laundry facilities and a kitchenette. Each sleep/nap room with adjacent bath is designed to give parents a place to rest or spend the night.

Bedrooms are available from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on a first come, first served basis by checking in at Ronald McDonald House office located on the seventh floor of the Hermann Pavilion. Overnight rooms are available from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. and are assigned by your child's nurse.

Married Parents

If the parents are married, both husband and wife are legal guardians of their baby, and they determine who may visit. A parent must accompany visitors during each visit.

With the parents' permission, two designated visitors or grandparents may visit by themselves. For privacy, only minimal information will be given to these designated visitors. Parents will be asked to designate a password so that the staff may give detailed information about their baby's condition by telephone.

Unmarried Parents

If the mother is single, the mother is the legal guardian of the baby, and she determines who may visit.

With her permission, the father may come into the nursery by himself. The mother can designate two visitors or grandparents who may visit without her presence. For privacy, only minimal information will be given to these designated visitors. The mother of the baby will be asked to designate a password so that the staff may give her detailed information by telephone.

Children as Visitors

For the safety of our patients, children younger than 3 years of age are not permitted to enter the NICU. During flu season, children younger than 12 may not enter the NICU.

Preventing the Spread of Infection

Sick and premature babies can catch illnesses from adults and children. Parents and visitors who are ill should speak with a staff member about their symptoms before going into the nursery. Your temperature will be taken upon entry into the unit. If you have sores, suspect you have a contagious illness or have been around someone who is sick or may have chickenpox, please avoid coming to the hospital.