NICU Parents in Colorado Will Have up to 24 Weeks of Paid Leave—Why That’s a Big Deal

Parents in Colorado no longer have to choose between working and time in the NICU by their baby’s side. Here’s why other states should follow suit.

Starting January 1, 2026, Colorado will become the first state to offer paid leave dedicated to time spent in the NICU.

As a result of the expansion of the FAMLI program, parents can receive up to 24 weeks of paid leave.

The new legislation also lowers premiums for all workers and their employers in Colorado.

For many new parents, the days after welcoming a newborn into the world feel nothing short of magical. For others, it may be a time of stress and worry, especially if your little one ends up in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for any given period of time after delivery.

If you’re a working parent, the situation may be filled with an added layer of anxiety as you navigate how to continue to work in the event that your paid time off runs out before bringing your little one home. This assumes you have paid maternity or paternity leave, which not all American families do.

But there’s new hope on this front, and one state is leading the charge. Beginning in 2026, Colorado is expanding its Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, and it will now include additional benefits for parents with babies in intensive care units across the state.1

Here’s everything you need to know about Neonatal Care Leave and why it matters.

Neonatal Care Leave and How it Works

As of right now, parents in Colorado receive 12 weeks of paid leave through the FAMLI leave program. Thanks to a new law signed by Governor Jared Polis, this benefit doubles to up to 24 weeks for parents of babies who need to spend time in the NICU.

As Governor Polis points out, “Having a newborn in the NICU is incredibly challenging, and during this time parents should not have to think about whether they can take the time off of work to care for their little one.”

Stackable benefits

Neonatal Care Leave enables parents to be present for their newborn during this vulnerable time wherein they may be fighting to take in an ounce of formula or breast milk or even just breathe on their own.

Under the expansion, parents can be there every step of the way for their baby, but also add the standard 12 weeks of care after discharge from the NICU. Furthermore, the new law provides parents who experience medical complications during the birth with four additional weeks for their own healing.

Parents as Champions for Change

Real-life experience and advocacy brought about this change, as many parents are forced to choose between being with their baby in the NICU and paying their bills. It affects everyone, including state representatives. Representative Yara Zokaie faced this dilemma with her own son.

“At that time where I should’ve been able to be fully present for him and for my family, I was working to make sure we could make rent that month,” she said. “It was incredibly scary as a new parent.”

Senator Jeff Bridges partnered up with her to sponsor the bill, sharing his personal story about his own son, who needed intensive care after birth. He called the experience “terrifying and consuming” and said making it easier for parents with babies in the NICU was a must.

The Change Doesn’t Stop There

Furthermore, the new law lowers insurance premiums for all Colorado workers and employers, reducing them from 0.9% of wages to 0.88%. This essentially makes paid family leave more affordable for all workers across the state. The decrease enables them to afford the time they need during critical life events, and for employers to provide coverage so they can do so.

Although the adjustment may sound small, state fiscal analysts say it will save both workers and employers $35 million next year.

What if You Don’t Live in Colorado?

While legislation can’t take away the anxiety that comes along with having a baby in the NICU, laws like this can certainly give parents peace of mind during such a difficult and unexpected journey. By not expecting them to be in two places at once so soon after birth, it lifts a significant burden. As Colorado implements this new program after the New Year, other states will be watching and hopefully follow suit.

Some changes are coming to Illinois, too. Under the new Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act (NICLA), Illinois parents with a baby in the NICU will have some more benefits starting on June 1, 2026. Employers with 16 to 50 employees must give up to 10 days of unpaid leave for those with babies in the NICU, while employers with 50 or more employees must offer up to 20 days of unpaid leave. This is in addition to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).2

When new parents can be in the NICU with their babies, it benefits their little bodies as they’re fighting to get stronger. From specialized feedings to kangaroo time or just hearing their parents hum a lullaby, it lets them know they’re safe and sound and loved.