• Skip to main content
  • Skip to main content
Choose which site to search.
UAMS Health Logo UAMS Health
NICU
  • UAMS.edu
  • MyChart
  • Giving
  • Emergency Room
  • Angel Eye Program
  • Breastfeeding/Pumping
    • Breastfeeding and Pumping Myths
    • Donor Breast Milk
    • Helping a Breastfeeding Partner
    • How to get a pump
    • Milk Supply for Preterm Baby
  • Caring for Your Baby at Home
    • Baby Safety Basics
    • Child Passenger/Car Seat Safety
    • Constipation
    • Physical Therapy for Your Baby
    • Safe Sleep and SUID/SIDS Prevention
    • Spit Up
  • Caring for Your Baby in the NICU
    • C.A.L.M.S.
    • Feeding and Nutrition
    • Music Therapy and Language Nutrition
    • Newborn Screening and Vaccinations
    • Preparing to Go Home
    • Skin-to-Skin
  • Español
  • NICU Resources
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Get Involved
    • Helpful Books and Sites
    • Postpartum Depression
    • UAMS and Arkansas Children’s
  • Our NICU
    • Communication with Our Staff
    • NICU in the News
    • NICU Reunions
    • NICU Statistics
    • Our Staff
    • Research in the NICU
    • Staying Overnight at the NICU
    • Visiting the NICU
  • Upcoming Events
  1. UAMS Health
  2. NICU
  3. Caring for Your Baby in the NICU
  4. C.A.L.M.S.

C.A.L.M.S.

What is C.A.L.M.S.?

C.A.L.M.S. stands for Comfort, Activity, Lighting, Movement, and Sound/Smell. It is a holistic approach to support the preterm infant and their developing neurological system. C.A.L.M.S helps nurses and parents work together to help the preterm or sick baby develop and recover in a positive healing environment.

Why is C.A.L.M.S. important?

Research has shown that a program like C.A.L.M.S. can have a positive effect on the parents and baby, including:

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Increased parent satisfaction
  • Reduced number of complications for baby
  • Better neuro-developmental outcomes for baby

What does C.A.L.M.S. look like for a parent?

Education will start with parents as soon as the baby is admitted to the NICU. Babies will be classified into one of four C.A.L.M.S. categories.

  • First 72 hours
  • Critical — 4B
  • Stable — 4A
  • Feeder and Grower — 3A and 2A

A colored card will be outside of each infants room to classify what category the infant is in related to C.A.L.M.S.

How can the parent become involved?

Each category has specific ways a parent can be involved in and help participate in your child’s care. Your baby’s nurse will teach you how to participate and check off each skill that is taught. You should keep the sheet and continue to check off new skill as infant progresses through the four categories.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy

© 2022 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences