These NICU Babies Dressed as “Wicked” Characters Are Melting Hearts — and Helping Families Heal

At Dayton Children’s Hospital in Ohio, the NICU recently dressed its tiniest patients as characters from The Wizard of Oz and Wicked. The photos were adorable, but the impact went far beyond cute costumes. These moments were created to lift the spirits of families spending some of the hardest days of their lives at their baby’s bedside.

On November 17, the hospital shared the photos to celebrate the release of Wicked: For Good, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Staff explained the purpose clearly: small moments of joy can make a big difference. According to the hospital, “While the outfits may be small, their impact is anything but. For parents spending their baby’s earliest moments in the hospital, these glimpses of normalcy matter more than words can say.”

For many families, celebrations like these can bring emotional relief. A mother named Brittany, whose baby is currently in the NICU, shared how meaningful it felt. “It is nice for us to get to do things that normal parents get to do with their babies. Having these fun moments and seeing people celebrating your child instead of worrying about him means the world.”

The celebration did not stop with the babies. The hospital’s therapy dogs also joined in the fun, dressed in their own Wicked-inspired outfits. Their costumes added another layer of sweetness to the day and brought even more smiles to families walking through parts of the hospital. For many parents, seeing a friendly therapy dog dressed as Glinda or the Tin Man offers a moment of pure comfort. As a NICU nurse, I love watching these interactions. The way a parent softens, laughs, or reaches down to pet a costumed pup always touches my heart. These small, thoughtful touches help families feel a little more at ease and remind them that joy still belongs here, even in the hardest seasons.

A NICU stay can be overwhelming. Research in the Journal of Perinatology shows that up to 40 percent of NICU parents experience postpartum depression, and about 30 percent develop symptoms of PTSD. The emotional toll is significant, and even small positive interactions can help parents cope.

Costume events give families a moment to breathe and see their baby outside the medical environment. But they also mean so much to us as NICU nurses. Getting to create these little moments of joy is one of the greatest privileges of our job. When I help dress a tiny baby in a costume and see a parent smile for the first time in days, it touches my heart just as much as it touches theirs. These small acts of kindness remind families that their baby is more than tubes and monitors. And honestly, they remind me why I love this work so much.

NICU nurses know that emotional wellness plays a major role in how families navigate their hospital journey. These celebrations create moments that promote bonding and reduce stress. Nurses benefit, too. Seeing a tiny Tin Man or a Cowardly Lion can brighten a demanding shift and build community within the team.

Research supports the idea that supportive interventions improve parental coping. A 2019 study in the Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing found that positive experiences during a NICU stay can reduce anxiety and strengthen long-term resilience.

The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that true family-centered care includes emotional support, connection, and partnership. Dayton Children’s costume events highlight how small, thoughtful gestures can turn clinical settings into environments filled with warmth and humanity.

These programs likely help nurses build trust with families, open communication, and identify when parents need additional support. They also remind families that they are seen and valued during an incredibly difficult time.

The NICU is a place where medical expertise and emotional support intersect. Stories like this one show that nursing is about more than procedures or equipment. It is about connection and compassion. A simple costume may create comfort, spark joy, and help families feel less alone.

🤔 Nurses, share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.