Florida's first sextuplets

The state of Florida recorded their first set of sextuplets this weekend ( CNN). 5 boys and one girl were approximately two months early, all weighing between 2 and 3 lbs. Quite an impressive feat for carrying six babies. All but one of the babies are considered stable at this point. Although they have a lot of developing and growing to do the family seems hopeful and enthusiastic.
The couple underwent fertility treatments when their 4 year daughter asked for a sibling. I am pretty sure the little girl got a little more than she expected!



As parents are concerned with new babies and spending time with them in the NICU, it is easy to exclude an older sibling who isn't old enough to visit. It isn't done intentionally and often it is done without conscious thought.
It is extremely important to incorporate older siblings as much as possible. Having a child in the Neonatal ICU is difficult for the entire family and often siblings who are not always able to visit (too young in age) feel left out. Parents can be consumed with worry while their new child is in the NICU and sometimes the siblings can have a difficult time understanding what is going on. Why isn't their brother or sister home yet? When is he/she coming home?
As parents get fatigued and restless, older siblings can feel slightly ignored. Some children can come to resent the younger sibling(s) who is taking up all of the parents attention. An ordinarily well behaved child may begin to act out in order to get attention, good or bad, from the parents.

What can NICU parents do to incorporate their other children?
- Have a journal that the child can write in that could help them express their feelings through words and writing.
- Encourage the child to ask questions
- Pictures! Take pictures of the NICU baby to show the sibling. Take pictures of the sibling and let him/her know that the picture will be posted at the infants bedside. It may be scary and overwhelming at first so move progressively.
- Ask if there is any way to see the brother/sister. Through a window?
- Encourage the sibling to draw pictures for the infant that will be placed at bedside.
- (In complex cases) Before coming home, show the older child the type of care that you as the parent or the home nurse will be performing on a doll.


Child Life is an organization with excellent resources and the training to help NICU parents and siblings. Child Life specialists are specially trained and certified individuals who help parents as well as siblings manage challenges and other stressful events related to healthcare.
Ask if your NICU has one and if so, take advantage!