To understand the practices of family-centered care (FCC) in the newly born hospitalized care that have been
incorporated by nurses. Methods: A descriptive study of qualitative approach, developed in the Intermediate Care Unit and
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a public hospital in Belo Horizonte. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured
interviews with 14 nurses, and the data were subjected to content analysis. Results: Three topics were originated: nurses'
understanding about practices that contribute to a care guided by the FCC; FCC practices: benefits for staff of nurses and Family
indicate the child's well-being and the kangaroo mother care; Difficulties in understanding of the targeted care practices by FCC.
Conclusion: The applicability of the FCC is wrongly understood, and portrays the unpreparedness of professionals to deal with
the family as co-responsible in the healthcare process of hospitalized children disease.