Key takeaways
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) defines neonatal care levels from Level I (well-baby nursery) through Level IV (regional NICU with the full range of pediatric specialists).
- In the Treasure Valley, St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Boise lists a Level 4 NICU; Saint Alphonsus in Boise lists a Level III NICU.
- Meridian and Nampa hospitals list Level II NICUs, which care for babies whose needs are moderate or expected to resolve quickly.
- Babies often move between hospitals as their needs change — sometimes to Boise for more care, sometimes back closer to home.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Every baby is different — talk with your baby’s NICU team or pediatrician about what is right for your family.
The four levels of neonatal care
The American Academy of Pediatrics describes four levels of care for newborns. In 2023 the AAP also published national minimum standards for Levels II, III, and IV so that a “Level III” means the same thing from one state to the next. In plain terms:
- Level I — well newborn nursery. Care for healthy, full-term babies.
- Level II — special care nursery. For babies who are moderately ill, with problems expected to resolve fairly quickly, or who are “growing and feeding” after more intensive care.
- Level III — subspecialty NICU. For critically ill babies, including those who need ongoing life support such as mechanical ventilation, with access to pediatric medical subspecialists.
- Level IV — regional NICU. Everything in Level III, plus pediatric surgical specialists and subspecialists available on site to care for the most complex conditions.
NICUs in Boise, Meridian, and Nampa
Here is how each Treasure Valley hospital lists its NICU on its own website. We show the level exactly as each hospital writes it.
| Hospital | City | NICU level* | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital190 E. Bannock St., Boise, ID 83712 | Boise | Level 4 | (208) 706-5437 |
| Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center1055 N. Curtis Rd., Boise, ID 83706 | Boise | Level III | 1-877-341-2121 |
| St. Luke’s Meridian Medical Center520 S. Eagle Rd., Meridian, ID 83642 | Meridian | Level 2 | (208) 706-5000 |
| St. Luke’s Nampa Medical Center9850 W. St. Luke’s Dr., Nampa, ID 83687 | Nampa | Level 2 | (208) 505-2000 |
| Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Nampa (Birkeland Maternity Center)4402 E. Flamingo Ave., Nampa, ID 83687 | Nampa | Level II | 1-877-341-2121 |
*Levels shown exactly as each hospital lists them on its own website (St. Luke’s uses Arabic numerals, Saint Alphonsus uses Roman numerals). Checked October 2026 — call the hospital to confirm current details.
St. Luke’s also lists a Level 3 NICU at St. Luke’s Magic Valley in Twin Falls. West Valley Medical Center in Caldwell closed its labor and delivery unit and NICU in April 2024.
Why babies get transferred between NICUs
It can be jarring when your baby is moved to a different hospital, but it is common. St. Luke’s describes its Air St. Luke’s maternal-child transport team bringing babies to the Boise NICU — and also bringing them back to Meridian, Nampa, or Magic Valley NICUs “to bring them closer to home” once they are ready. Saint Alphonsus notes that babies at its Nampa Level II unit who need more care go to its Boise NICU, about 15 minutes away.
A move to a lower level of care is usually a sign of progress. A move to a higher level means your baby will be close to specialists who can do more.
Questions you can ask your NICU team
- What level is this NICU, and what would cause my baby to need a transfer?
- If my baby is transferred, how will I get there, and can I ride along?
- Who is my contact for updates — and when is the best time to call?
- Is there a social worker or parent support person I can talk with?
- What support exists for housing, meals, or parking during a long stay?
For a list of local support programs, see our Treasure Valley NICU resources. If someone you love is in the NICU right now, our guide on how to help a friend with a baby in the NICU has practical ideas.
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