Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
When a baby is born, it should be one of the happiest and most memorable moments of a parent's life. Unfortunately, for parents whose babies require time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), that joy is often overshadowed by worry, stress and fear.
According to the National Institutes of Health, about one in 10 infants born in the U.S. will need NICU care.

These parents long to bring their little ones home, but instead find themselves in a constant state of heartache, waiting for the moment when they're told their baby is stable enough to leave the hospital.
In the meantime, friends and family often feel helpless and unsure of how to provide support during this incredibly challenging time.
Rather than asking a NICU parent what they need — because they may not even know themselves — here are a few easy, thoughtful ways you can help lighten their load and offer meaningful comfort.
Offer to run simple errands
Spending long hours at the hospital can be exhausting, and the last thing a NICU parent needs to stress over is everyday tasks. By stepping in to handle some of their to-do list items, you can ease their burden and help reduce their overwhelm.
Offer to drive their other children to school or activities, take out the trash, or even help with household chores like dishes or laundry. Every little task you can take off their plate allows them to focus on their chief concern: being there for their baby.

Prepare a meal or donate food
In times of stress, there are few things more comforting than a nourishing meal delivered to your doorstep. NICU parents often spend long hours at the hospital and may grow weary of the limited food options available to them.
A home-cooked meal or a favorite dish from a local restaurant can provide much-needed relief and variety. Whether you cook something yourself or use meal delivery services like Uber Eats or DoorDash, offering a meal is a thoughtful way to support a family in need.
Provide emotional support
Not all ways to help require money or significant time commitments. Sometimes, the simplest gestures make the biggest difference.
A thoughtful text saying, "I'm thinking of you," or even sharing a lighthearted meme can provide much-needed comfort during a stressful time.
Lend financial assistance
It's no secret that prolonged hospital stays take a huge financial toll on families. Aside from the mounting bills and transportation costs, parents often lose out on money from taking time off work, which only adds to their stress and worry.
If you're able, you can offer a donation yourself or set up a GoFundMe campaign for a NICU family. Even helping with minor expenses, such as gas money or parking fees, can be a huge help.
Help with siblings
If NICU parents have other children at home, this is often where they need the most support. Depending on their ages, the kids might need someone to stay with them, drive them to school, or take them to their activities.
With mom and dad spending so much time at the hospital, it can also be a huge relief if you offer to take the kids out for a fun activity or simply spend some quality time with them. Remember, this is tough on them too, and a little extra attention can go a long way.

Donate a soft, cozy blanket
Sometimes, all a NICU parent needs during those long, stressful hours at the hospital is a little comfort. And what better way to offer that than with a soft, luxurious blanket?
Sandi Hendry, the founder of Minky Couture, was inspired by a similar need. When her daughter's baby was in the NICU, all she wanted was a cozy blanket to bring comfort to her little one.
Sandi gave her daughter a small blanket to temporarily hold close to her chest, and then placed it in the incubator so her grandson could feel comforted by his mother's scent.

Since then, Sandi's family has experienced the NICU journey firsthand with eight grandchildren spending time in a Level 4 NICU. This cause is personal to her, and every year, Minky Couture donates over 30,000 mini blankets to NICUs across the country, providing comfort to families in need.
By donating blankets to local NICUs or directly to NICU families, you can offer more than just a practical item.
You're giving comfort, warmth and a sense of security during one of the most stressful times in a family's life. Soft, cuddly blankets help transform the sterile hospital environment into a place where love and warmth can shine through.
If you'd like to make a direct impact, consider reaching out to your local hospitals to inquire about their donation programs or supporting organizations like Minky Couture, which specializes in providing high-quality blankets to those who need them most.
