Your baby may look healthy. You may not be sure why he needs to go to the NICU. Below are some reasons why babies might need medical care in the NICU: 

• Premature birth – When a baby is born too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy
• Birth defects – Health conditions that are present at birth and change the shape or function of one or more parts of the body. Birth defects can cause problems in overall health, how the body develops or how the body works.
• Jaundice – When a baby’s kidneys are not working well; it causes the baby’s eyes and skin to look yellow.
• Feeding problems – Babies who are born early or who are sick may not be able to breastfeed or bottlefeed right away.
• Breathing problems – When a baby may not be able to get enough oxygen on his own
• Infections – Illnesses a baby gets from a virus, bacteria and other germs
• Temperature problems – Problems keeping the baby’s body temperature within a normal range