How often do babies usually stay in the nicu?

Depends: Some full term babies stay in the nicu for just a few hours or just one night while the medical problem resolves itself. Very premature babies usually stay in the nicu until the expected due date. Some very sick babies, both term and pre-term, may stay in the nicu longer than their expected due date because of complications or lengthy treatment.

About 10-15 percent: About 10-15% percent of all newborn babies require the kind of care provided in the neonatal intensive care unit.