Infection prevention & control on neonatal units
This leaflet supports parents, carers & families around the topic of infection prevention and control (IPC) on neonatal units. Please discuss any concerns with your baby’s clinical team — high standards of IPC are a shared responsibility.
Key moments for hand hygiene
- Before contact with baby’s surroundings — clean your hands before entering the baby’s bed space.
- Before contact with baby — clean your hands before touching your baby.
- Before a clean procedure — e.g., mouth care or nappy change.
- After body fluid exposure risk — e.g., after a nappy change.
- After contact with baby or baby’s surroundings — when leaving the baby’s side.
How to wash your hands
Use soap and water when hands are visibly soiled. Dry with a single-use paper towel and use the towel to turn off taps. Hand sanitiser may be used after handwashing when hands are visibly clean, but soap and water are needed in some situations.
Hand hygiene steps (visual)
Video: How to wash your hands
Scan the QR code below or visit https://youtu.be/aGJNspLRdrc
About healthcare-associated infections & MDROs
Healthcare-associated infections occur when germs (bacteria/viruses) enter the body during care. Neonatal babies are more vulnerable to infections. Multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) are bacteria resistant to many antibiotics and can be harder to treat. Examples include:
- MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
- CPE / CPO (carbapenem-producing organisms / Enterobacterales)
- ESBL and AmpC producing organisms
- VRE (vancomycin resistant Enterococci)
Colonised means bacteria are present on the skin or in body openings but the baby is otherwise well. Infected means the baby shows signs of illness. If a baby is colonised or infected with an MDRO, staff will take extra precautions to reduce spread.
Environment & visiting guidance
Environment cleanliness is important. You can help by keeping your baby’s cot/incubator area tidy and using the cleaning wipes provided by staff when asked to do so. On entering the unit, please:
- Remove outdoor garments (coats/jackets) and push up sleeves or wear short sleeves (bare below the elbow).
- Remove bracelets & watches and store valuables in provided lockers.
- Wipe down mobile devices with an appropriate hard-surface wipe (clinell®/similar) — your nurse will show you where these are kept.
- Keep nails short and limit jewellery like rings; wash hands in the reception area as directed.
If you or family members feel unwell (vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature, persistent cough, new rash, cold sore, loss of taste/smell), please call the neonatal unit before visiting.
Going home and at home
As you prepare for discharge, continue good hand hygiene at home to reduce illness and hospital readmission risk. Avoid contact with people who have stomach upsets, active cold sores, or cold/flu-like symptoms while your baby is especially vulnerable.
For further reading and resources, see the external links below.
Further information
Useful organisations:
Other resources:
Lullaby Trust - newborn infection prevention
Bliss - common infectious illnesses
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Infection Prevention & Control on Neonatal Units
Parent Information Leaflet – London Neonatal Network
Helping to Prevent Infections
This leaflet supports parents, carers & families around the topic of infection prevention and control (IPC) on a neonatal unit.
“It’s so important, as parents and partners in our babies’ care, to work with the medical and nursing teams on the unit and follow all infection control measures thoroughly. By doing this, we are protecting our babies and keeping them safe.”
– Jade Umeh, Parent Advisory Chair
What is a Healthcare-Associated Infection?
We live in a world where germs are all around us. Most are harmless, but some can cause infections. When this happens to someone receiving care in hospital, it’s called a healthcare-associated infection.
Babies in neonatal units are more vulnerable to infections, so it’s important to understand how you and the healthcare team can work together to reduce these risks.
Infection Prevention and Control Team
These teams train staff, monitor infection rates, and ensure quick action when infections are recognised.
Monitoring Infections
Swabs may be taken from your baby’s nose, ear, or throat to test for germs that may be resistant to antibiotics, such as MRSA.
Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs)
Some bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. Examples include:
- MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
- CPO/CPE (Carbapenem-producing organisms)
- ESBL and AmpC producing organisms
- VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci)
Colonised vs Infected
- Colonised: Bacteria are present but your baby is well.
- Infected: Your baby shows signs of illness such as fever.
Hand Hygiene & Standard IPC Steps
Good hand hygiene is one of the most important ways to protect your baby. Follow these key moments:
- Before contact with your baby’s surroundings
- Before contact with your baby
- Before a ‘clean’ procedure (e.g. nappy change)
- After contact with body fluids
- After contact with your baby and surroundings
Coming to the Neonatal Unit
Contact your neonatal unit before visiting if you or others have symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, sore throat, cough, rash, or cold sores.
Going Home and At Home
Continue good hand hygiene at home and limit contact with anyone showing signs of illness. This helps prevent infections and reduces hospital readmissions.
