For Parents
We know that having an infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) may be a difficult time for you and your family. Our intention is to provide the best possible emotional and physical care while ensuring security for your infant. Here is some additional information about our facility to help you while your premature or critically ill newborn is receiving care.
To see our NICU for yourself, take a photo tour ›
Calling and visiting the NICU
Family is welcome to call or visit the NICU anytime, seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Families are encouraged to visit as often as possible.
- NICU 4200 Wing: 714-456-5285
- NICU 4400 Wing: 714-456-5041
While your baby is in our NICU, parents will be asked to provide the names of four people who will be permitted to visit your baby without you. Anyone not on this list will only be permitted to visit with a parent present.
Staying with your infant
We want infants and their families to be as comfortable as possible while they are staying in our NICU. The following amenities are available to parents and visiting family members:
- A waiting room for family
- A playroom for siblings of premature and critically ill infants
- Special chairs in each room, called Kangaroo Chairs, designed for mother and child skin-to-skin holding
- A parent nesting room, where parents can stay for one night with their infant before discharge the next day
- A bench in every room to accommodate additional visitors or overnight stays
Lodging
If you need accommodations, UC Irvine has special rates with local hotels – some within walking distance to the medical center and with free shuttle service.
View local accommodations ›
Dining
Families visiting the medical center have a wide variety of dining options, including the Tony & Daisy Fan Dining Room, which is located on the first floor of UC Irvine Douglas Hospital. There are also a variety of restaurants in close proximity to the medical center.
View local dining options ›
Mothers who have been admitted to UC Irvine Douglas Hospital can order meals through room service from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. by calling 714-456-3663. Selected snacks and light meals can be ordered after hours.
Security
To protect your infant’s privacy and security, information is given to the parents only. You will be given a NICU parent badge and an identification band with a number that matches your infant’s. You will need your identification number whenever you call or visit the nursery in order to verify your identity.
Parking
Parking is available in the south structure on Dawn Way and The City Drive. From Dawn Way, park in the structure on the left. From there, a shuttle is available to transport you to the hospital.
Immediate family members can have their parking sticker validated. Other visitors can purchase a long-term parking pass at a reduced cost. Valet parking is also available at a reduced cost.
Spiritual support
If you have spiritual needs, UCI Health Spiritual Care Services gives access to the appropriate spiritual advisors and cultural groups in the community that can give you emotional support. Families are also welcome to bring their own clergy at any time. For spiritual support services, call 714-456-6157 or 714-456-1749.
Parent FAQs