Pregnancy, Birth and Baby home

Special care nursery (SCN)

Key facts

  • Some babies will need to spend time in a special care nursery, or SCN, after they are born.
  • A special care nursery (SCN) can provide more care than a normal ward.
  • There are many reasons why your baby might need to be admitted to an SCN.
  • It's important to remember that even though your baby can't leave hospital, they are on the road to becoming stronger.

    • What is a special care nursery?

    Your baby might be admitted to a special care nursery (SCN). This happens when they need more care than is available on a normal ward.

    An SCN is different from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Babies in the NICU are more seriously ill and need more care than babies in the SCN.

    Babies may need to be in a special care nursery because:

    • they were born prematurely (early) and need extra care
    • they have health issues such as jaundice, low blood sugar or breathing problems
    • they have been born with a low birth weight
    • they have moved from a NICU as their health has improved

    Almost 1 in 5 babies in Australia is admitted to an SCN or NICU.

    In an SCN, you will often get help with feeding and preparing to take your baby home.

    Special care nursery staff

    There are many specially trained staff in the special care nursery:

    As a parent, you are considered an important part of your baby's healthcare team.

    What can I expect to see in a special care nursery?

    Your baby may start off sleeping in an incubator (also known as a humidicrib) before moving to a cot.

    There may be equipment in the room that monitors your baby's:

    • oxygen level
    • heart rate
    • breathing

    There may also be equipment to treat jaundice. Nursery staff will explain any equipment or procedures that your baby needs.

    If your baby has been moved from an NICU, you may notice less specialised equipment in the SCN.

    Can I see my baby in the SCN?

    You can see your baby as often as you like in the SCN. Staff will encourage you to have plenty of hands-on contact. This includes:

    The special care nursery is likely to be quiet, and you will be asked to whisper or talk quietly. This is because a low noise level is important for your baby's brain development and to keep them calm.

    There may be a quiet period during the day, when your baby can sleep undisturbed, with little noise or handling.

    Visitors

    Other members of your family can visit your baby. Visitors may be restricted to 2 or 3 people at a time.

    Different hospitals will have different rules around visiting. It's best to check with the staff in the SCN.

    Hygiene in the SCN

    It's important that the special care nursery is clean and free of germs. This is because babies in the SCN are more likely to catch infections.

    Visitors will need to use the nursery's hand washing and sanitising facilities.

    You should also avoid visiting your baby if you are unwell — for example, if you:

    If you're not sure whether you're well enough to visit — speak with a staff member.

    How do I feed my baby in the SCN?

    Your baby may need to be fed using a tube. As they get stronger they will take milk from your breast or a bottle.

    You may be shown how to:

    A lactation specialist may be available to support you.

    When will my baby be discharged?

    This will be different for every baby.

    Your baby may be discharged when:

    • they have grown enough to not need medical help
    • they can regulate their own body temperature
    • they are a suitable weight
    • feeding has been established
    • they have finished any intravenous medicines

    It's best to ask the special care nursery staff when your baby may be able to come home.

    I'm finding it difficult to cope with my feelings — what can I do?

    You may have mixed feelings about your baby being in a special care nursery. These feelings may range from:

    • being overwhelmed by the equipment
    • being happy that your baby has moved from the NICU
    • being anxious that they are getting less specialised care than in the NICU

    It's possible that you may be sent home before your baby. Your baby may then be moved to a special care nursery in a hospital closer to your home.

    You can talk to the SCN staff about how you are feeling. If you need more support, they can arrange for a social worker to meet with you.

    Resources and support

    You can speak with the staff in your baby's special care nursery.

    Speak to a maternal child health nurse

    Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 (Opens in new tab) or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

    Last reviewed: April 2024

    Need more information?

    These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

    NICU V Cot Sleeping

    Babies in the NICU or Special Care Nursery are often placed or slept in ways that don’t follow the Red Nose safe sleep recommendations. While they are in these wards they are in the care of medical specialists and under constant care and review of the nursing team. So, what do you do when you bring your baby home?
    Red Nose logo
    Learn more on Red Nose website

    Pregnancy care

    Expectant parents often start researching pregnancy care when they begin planning for a family or early in a pregnancy, but it is never too early or late to research pregnancy care options. Important pregnancy care decisions include what level of care the parents want throughout their pregnancy, where the parents want to have their baby, which medical professionals they want to receive care from, and how much they are able or willing to pay for the care.
    Gidget Foundation Australia logo
    Learn more on Gidget Foundation Australia website