Masking update: As of October 16, 2024, masks are required in patient care areas, patient rooms and waiting rooms. 

NICU Infection Prevention and Control

Learn about the infection control measures that are strictly enforced in the NICU.

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Our hospital-wide infection control program is designed to minimize the risk of infection to patients, staff and visitors.

The babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have weakened immune systems and compromised lungs. To protect our low birth-weight infants, everyone, including staff, families and visitors, must pay special attention to the following infection control practices.

Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is an important part of infection prevention. This includes thoroughly washing your hands and not wearing anything that can contain bacteria.

The NICU is:

  • Nail polish and artificial nail-free
  • Scent-free
  • Jewelry and watch-free

Before entering the NICU, thoroughly wash your hands at the hand washing sink just inside the doors.

Use soap and water to wash every part of your hands including the front, back and between your fingers and thumbs. Make sure your nails and nail beds are clean. Wash from above your wrists and point your hands downward so the germs can run off into the sink. Continue to wash your hand for at least 15 seconds. Rinse off all soap and dry your hands thoroughly. 

Wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub whenever you do the following:

  • Before entering your baby's room
  • Before and after touching your baby (and between babies if you have more than one; please do not touch any other baby in the NICU)
  • After touching any part of your body that may carry germs, like your nose, mouth, head and hair
  • After using the bathroom
  • Each time you return to the NICU after leaving

Other hand hygiene advice includes the following:

  • Avoid handling your baby if you have a rash or open sores on your hands
  • Moisturize your hands after leaving your baby's environment to prevent skin irritation
  • Do not use artificial nails and nail polish because they may contain bacteria and are very difficult to keep clean

Mobile device cleaning

Mobile devices like phones or tablets can help you stay connected during your baby’s stay in the NICU. We ask that you please follow the instructions to properly clean your mobile device that are posted in each room. 

Screening for infection

To protect your baby, we need ongoing information about your exposure to common health problems. Our nursing staff will ask screening questions about fevers, rashes, coughs and other symptoms of illness. 

If you or anyone who has visited your baby experiences any of the following symptoms, please avoid visiting your baby and contact the NICU immediately:

  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Rash
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy eyes

It is very important that visitors and staff do not come to the NICU when they are sick. 

We offer virtual rounds for families who are unable to be at the NICU. We also use a secure video messaging service that allows staff to send you short video messages with general updates about your baby.

Chicken pox or measles

Chickenpox and measles are infectious diseases caused by viruses. They can make newborn babies especially sick. 

It is important that you let us know if you have been in contact with someone who has developed chicken pox or measles within a week of seeing you. 

If you or another visitor develops chicken pox or measles within one week of a visit to the NICU, please tell us at the NICU immediately. We will talk to the Infection Control department about when you can access the NICU to see your baby.

Respiratory synctial virus (RSV)

RSV is a virus that can affect the lungs of people of all ages. The virus causes cold or flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough or fever. Most babies will catch colds caused by RSV before they are three-years-old.

If you or another visitor have cold, cough or flu-like symptoms please avoid visiting the the NICU until your symptoms have gone away.

There is a new medication that is given to infants during the RSV season as a single injection (needle). This is not a vaccine. It is a safe and effective medication that gives babies antibodies to provide six months of protection from RSV. The Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends this as the preferred option to prevent RSV in infants.

Your infant might be eligible to receive this medication if they are born at Mount Sinai Hospital during RSV season. Infants will be offered this medication before leaving the hospital to go home.

Some infants with chronic medical conditions may be eligible for RSV medication for their second RSV season. Parents should follow up with their community health-care provider to see if their baby is eligible.

Learn more about the preventative RSV medication for infants from the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health.

For more information about RSV, please see the following resources:

Sterile procedures

Your baby may have different medical procedures while in the NICU. Some of these are what we call sterile procedures. This means that we will take extra steps to keep any equipment and the area around your baby free of germs. During these sterile procedures, you may have to leave the room. You are welcome to wait in either the family lounge or the family room during this time.