Listening to Infants, Supporting Families, Transforming Care Worldwide
In the 25 years since its establishment in October 2001, the NIDCAP Federation International (NFI) has been an energizing force for progress and change for newborns, infants, families and those who care for them around the world.
At the time of its founding, the effects of NIDCAP care had been researched and the approach had been practiced in the US and Europe for nearly 20 years. It was time to formalize certification and broaden the reach by forming a non-profit organization that provides professional and intensive care setting certifications, networking and learning opportunities, and above all, provides the chance for more and more infants and families to experience the care they deserve and that affords them the best possible outcomes.
Celebrations of this impressive milestone will happen throughout 2026. We will honor the enduring legacy of the originator of NIDCAP, the founding members of the NFI, and the accomplishments of our community, while looking to the future and exploring the many ways the NFI community is making hospital settings a better place.
2001 NIDCAP Federation International is incorporated & Board of Directors formed
2005 First NIDCAP Training Center in South America opens (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
2007 First issue of Developmental Observer is published
2008 First NIDCAP Nursery Certification is conferred (Boise, Idaho, USA)
2012 First film about NIDCAP and the NFI produced
2013 First NFI Chapter is established (NIDCAP France)
2013 Social media platforms launched
2014 NFI’s first website launched
2015 NIDCAP Blog established
2017 First NIDCAP Training Center in Canada opens (Edmonton, Alberta)
2017 Family Advisory Council is formed
2017 First NIDCAP Training Center in Australasia opens (Sydney, Australia)
2018 First NIDCAP Training Center in the Middle East opens (Kfar Saba, Israel)
2018 NIDCAP Nursery Model articulated and presented
2019 Ten Pearls of NIDCAP Wisdom for Parents of Hospitalized Babies is created
2019 World NIDCAP Day established as official recognition day
2020 First NIDCAP Trainers Meetings to be held exclusively online
2021 First NIDCAP Training Center in Asia opens (Japan)
2021 Family Resource Video Series is released
2021 First Podcast Series released
2022 Special Edition of the Developmental Observer dedicated to Founder, Dr. Heidelise Als
2022 First NIDCAP Trainers Meeting held in hybrid format
2023 NFI Online Shop is established with many NFI branded items available
2024 Speakers Bureau is created and launched
2026 New Learning Center to be launched
…allowed us to feel like a family from the very first moment and to care for our baby with the support of the medical and nursing staff
Alica & Alessandro, Giovanni’s Parents
…Without it you wouldn’t be able to weave that umbilical cord that nature didn’t allow you to complete. Without it, you couldn’t build that closeness that machines unfortunately hinder. Without it, you couldn’t truly be a family, free from trauma and fear!
Lilia, Gregory’s Mother
…allowed us to create an invisible thread that kept us united despite the distance; it enabled us to fallow Mia’s daily progress and achievements step by step, being an integral part of this miracle
Barbara & Alberto, Mia’s parents
We thank these families for sharing their photos with us (see the hero image at the top of the page).
25 for 25 Campaign
Celebrate this milestone anniversary with a gift to the NIDCAP Federation International. Your support is a meaningful way to:
We thank you for your support!
Contribute HereThe material provided in this toolkit remains the property of the NIDCAP Federation International, Inc.
