Connecticut Nurses Develop Interactive Tool for Siblings of Hospitalized Infants
June 11, 2026
Dedicated NICU nurses in Connecticut have transformed their empathy into a tangible resource for children: a coloring book aimed at keeping siblings connected to their newborn brothers and sisters who are receiving intensive care.
Credit: WTNH
The initiative, named A Message to My Sibling, was the brainchild of four nurses from Connecticut Children’s Hospital. They sought to assist siblings who often feel left out during the stressful days when a newborn is in the NICU.
In cases where a baby is born prematurely or with critical health issues, families may undergo lengthy hospital visits. Young children may struggle with the sudden absence of their parents or the inability to bring their new sibling home immediately.
This concept had roots in real-life scenarios observed by the nurses, such as the journey of a family that made extensive trips to visit their daughter Anna, who was born at 31 weeks, weighing a mere 2 pounds, 13 ounces.
In an effort to bridge the emotional gap during such trying times, the nurses collaborated for years with illustrator Cheri Lenhow to bring the book to fruition.
The resulting coloring book gently familiarizes children with the NICU setting. It includes pages for coloring, explanations of medical devices, and sections where children can compose messages or drawings for their infant sibling.
“It was really about introducing these things without scaring them, because it can be scary to see this equipment,” Lenhow explained.
A particularly touching element allows children to craft artworks and notes for display in the baby’s hospital room, serving as a vibrant reminder of their family’s love.
“We included pages where they can draw pics of themselves, or things that they enjoy, and they can hang them up on the walls of the NICU,” Lenhow added.
For the nurses involved, the coloring book offers more than mere entertainment. It facilitates an emotional bond among family members during a taxing period.
“NICU admission doesn’t just affect the baby; it affects the entire family: siblings, parents, grandparents, everyone feels that,” nurse Kelsey MarcAurele stated.
Thanks to the commitment of these medical professionals, families now possess a straightforward yet impactful method to ensure siblings feel engaged, acknowledged, and close-knit as their newborn sibling endeavors to thrive.
