Developmental care

Light and sound

image from outside an incubator looking through port hole at a baby nursed in a nest

As your baby was born too early or too sick, they may not be ready for the environment in NICU.

Noise and light can be overwhelming. A developing fetus needs a positive sensory environment for normal brain development, an environment which limits light and noise exposure, provides a supported flexed posture, containment and protects sleep.

Babies who experience good quality sleep are more stable and grow more quickly.

Intense light should therefore be avoided, it is not enough just to dim the lights.

This applies to all premature babies, but especially to babies born before 32 weeks gestation, as their pupillary light reflex has not yet developed.

A supportive light environment reduces the level of cortisol, extends sleep duration, stimulates the release of growth hormones and encourages the early development of a sleep and wake cycle.

By using incubator covers, closing port hole doors quietly, not placing items on top of the incubator and speaking softly, we can protect your baby from the bright lights of NICU and also muffle out some of the unwanted noises.

By protecting your babies sleep patterns in this way, we are protecting and promoting your babies brain development.

Each day we aim to give all babies a period of complete uninterrupted rest during which time, wherever possible, we will avoid undertaking any routine procedures or interventions.

Baby laid on side with person laying hand on head and hand on body

Positive touch

Positive touch is a way to experience loving touch when your baby is not ready to be held. Your baby will enjoy cradling with still, resting hands, more than stroking.

Developmental care practices can be used to support more positive experiences for your baby. Nursing staff will show you how to do this.

Kangaroo care (skin-to-skin)

This is a special way of holding your baby. The nursing and medical team aim to facilitate this as soon as possible.

image of mother and father, mother sat on chair with baby in skin to skin, both parents smiling

How to do it?

Remember; you should not wear perfume, smoke cigarettes or have the reside of second-hand smoke on your clothing or hair, before kangaroo care. kangaroo care should last for a minimum of one hour.

Kangaroo care can help your baby

Keep their heart rate, breathing and temperature stable
Sleep better
Stay warm
Gain weight
Brain development
Feel secure

Kangaroo care can help you

Increase your milk production
Feel a special closeness with your baby
Feel more confident about caring for your baby

We do not have the room to provide private time with your baby, however we can use screens to facilitate this.

If you would like to use these, please ask the nurse caring for you.

Cartoon image of a father reading to his baby whilst in skin to skin

Reading, singing or reciting nursery rhymes

Reading, singing or reciting nursery rhymes to your baby as soon as they are born can help with brain development and will also encourage language skills from an early love of books.

Your baby is used to hearing the vibrations of your voices in utero.

Wrapped bathing

Your baby’s first bath is very special and exciting, yet often a scary event.

Bathing offers you valuable time to observe your baby’s behaviour, so the way you bath can be adapted to their developing needs.

Baby on oxygen with dummy in mouth, wrapped in a muslin cloth whilst being bathed

Wrapped bathing is very relaxing and soothing for your baby, especially when they don’t like being undressed.

Wrapping your baby in a muslin whilst immersed in the water and pacing your washing according to your baby’s reactions, will ensure they have enough energy to feed afterwards, as they will feed safe and calm.