Published: January 13, 2026
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
When a baby needs specialized care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) the hospital stay can last for months, and sometimes far from home. Now, a new program at Norton Children’s offers a way for families to stay connected to their NICU babies — even from afar.
AngelEye is a secure camera system installed at a majority of Norton Children’s NICU bedsides at both Norton Children’s Hospital and Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital. The cameras allow parents and loved ones to check in on their baby anytime, from anywhere. For families navigating the ups and downs of the NICU, this technology provides a lifeline.
“If we did not have these cameras, I would lose my mind,” said Payton Jones, mom of a hospitalized baby. “It’s not easy having your heart in two places at the same time.”
Payton and Jesse Jones live 1½ hours away from their infant daughter, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Jones, who is currently in the Norton Children’s Hospital NICU. Lizzie’s twin, Lettie, is already home in Edmonton, Kentucky.
Because Norton Children’s Hospital has a Level IV NICU, the highest level that cares for the most fragile newborns, it commonly receives patients from around the region.
The Jones twins were born in August 2025, two months premature, after facing multiple fetal complications as monochorionic diamniotic (mono-di) twins who developed twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Monochorionic diamniotic means the fetal twins shared the same placenta, but each had her own amniotic sac.
Due to TTTS, the twins were sharing the same blood supply, with Lizzie giving more blood flow to Lettie during the pregnancy.
After the girls were born prematurely, Lettie spent 57 days in the NICU before going home. Lizzie, meanwhile, is still there recovering from chronic lung disease. She needed a breathing tube with oxygen but is more recently beginning to breathe on her own.
“Lizzie’s proving she’s a fighter,” Jesse said.
Payton drives to Louisville nearly every day. But in the moments she can’t be at Lizzie’s bedside, AngelEye helps bridge the distance.
“Being able to check in on Lizzie and Lettie when we couldn’t be at the hospital was incredible,” Payton said. “It gave us peace of mind during the scariest moments. Seeing their faces, even through a screen, helped us feel connected.”
Charles Howard, R.N., NICU nightshift nurse manager at Norton Children’s Hospital, sees the difference AngelEye makes every day.
“It makes me feel good, going room to room, seeing it being utilized,” Charles said.
To set up the connection, a nurse sends parents a link by text or email. Parents use the link to create an AngelEye profile and can then share access with as many family members and friends as they choose.
“Parents want to be present for every moment, but life doesn’t stop when your baby is in the NICU,” Charles said. “AngelEye gives families assurance. They can see their baby resting peacefully, even if they’re miles away. It’s a game changer for reducing stress and helping parents feel involved.”
As Lizzie continues to grow stronger, her parents look forward to the day the twins can be home together. Until then, AngelEye makes the distance feel a little smaller.
“It’s like we can keep an eye on Lizzie, 24/7,” Jesse said. “We put it up on the TV as we go to sleep.”
They can keep the connection to their daughter, and rest easier until the next visit.
“Being able to see her face makes all the difference,” Payton said. “I’m grateful Norton Children’s makes that possible.”