Neonatal Care Leave | Family and Medical Leave Insurance

Your FAMLI Guide to Neonatal Care Leave

Be there for your newborn when it matters most — learn about Neonatal Care Leave below.

What is Neonatal Care Leave?

Neonatal Care Leave is the newest paid leave type provided by Colorado’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program. If you participate in FAMLI and your newborn receives intensive care, you’ll be able to receive partial pay while you help your child get well.

What Does Neonatal Leave Cover?

Starting January 1, 2026, Neonatal Care Leave will allow you to:

Take up to 12 weeks of paid leave specifically while your infant is receiving inpatient neonatal care — in addition to the 12 weeks of FAMLI benefits available for all other leave reasons, including bonding.
End an active “bonding leave” claim early and switch to “neonatal care leave” if your baby is already in an intensive unit when the program launches January 1, 2026.

The Neonatal Care Impact

Caring for a vulnerable newborn comes with enormous emotional, physical, and financial stress. This new leave type ensures that:

You don’t lose bonding time. Neonatal Care Leave protects your bonding leave for when your baby comes home.
You have time to focus on your baby’s care. And research shows: parental contact helps newborns recover from neonatal care fastest.
You can take the time you need — without worrying about your paycheck. Neonatal care leave helps parents be parents, first.

Ready to Help Us Help You?

Rulemaking is underway. If you want to help shape how this benefit works, we welcome your input during the public comment period. Check the “Rules & Guidance” page for opportunities — and sign up for our newsletters today!

Have questions?

Let us help — reach out to cdle_famli_info@state.co.us or call 1-866-CO-FAMLI.