Backing research suggesting it is never too early to read to your child – parents of premature babies being cared for in Peterborough can benefit from a new initiative.
‘Snuggle & Read’ has been launched at Peterborough City Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – a 20-bedded unit caring for babies from 27 weeks gestation.
The unit has been selected from 17 across the region by the East of England Neonatal Network to showcase the new Quality Improvement Project.
NICU team
NICU team
Parents whose babies are currently or have been cared for on NICU were invited to join North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust to officially launch the scheme to coincide with World Book Day (March 6).
Dozens of brand-new story books have been donated by The National Literacy Trust and Good To Read to create a library to encourage parents to read to their babies.
The NICU library trolley is being rejuvenated and will include dual language story books and books for a variety of ages and reading abilities to encourage siblings and other family members to enjoy the adventures of reading when on the unit.
NICU ward manager, Katie Barke said: “We are so delighted to have been chosen from all the units in the East of England to showcase this QI Project that supports reading to infants on the unit’’.
Steve Louise and Mia
Steve Louise and Mia
“The initiative also supports other units to develop libraries and support staff and family education about the value of reading to babies.”
Spearheading the delivery of the Snuggle & Read service at Peterborough are Helen Taylor, specialist neonatal counsellor, and Lucy Robertshaw, neonatal occupational therapist – supported by the whole NICU team.
Helen said: “That very early skin to skin connection to promote bonding is so important for babies and parents. We encourage our parents to sit and hold their babies, which provides a relaxing and comfortable opportunity for that bonding process early on’’.
“The donation of new books so far has been overwhelming, and parents will receive a library card and a record of the books they have read to their baby’’.
“However, if they prefer not to read a children’s book, they can of course bring in their own book and read that – it is their voice, the feeling of being relaxed and close to their baby that is important.”
Lucy added: “A growing evidence base is supporting this project, infants who hear language and words from early on are building new pathways within their brains for future learning, as well as the immediate benefits of regulation, bonding and over all well-being.
“Our need to communicate and experience our world is innate from the beginning; hearing, seeing and feeling our parents/carers solidifies early connections - hence the title of our project ‘Snuggle & Read’, where we would like to not only encourage the reading but skin-to skin cuddles whilst reading for the overall sensory and physiological stability benefits of this co-occupation”.
Jess
New mum Louise (pictured with husband Steve, four-year-old daughter Lily and 27 day old Mia) said: "This is a great scheme and allows us to really bond with Mia (who was born seven weeks prematurely). Our voices are soothing for her and it gives us an opportunity to do something for her too. It is calming for us and for Mia and Lily loves to talk through pictured books with her too."
It is hoped that the NICU scheme will be embraced by families whose babies are being cared for on the unit. Goodie bags were handed out on the Unit to help launch the scheme.
Jason and Jen
Jason and Jen
Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon also has a collection of books and a library service in use at its own Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).
goodie bags
goodie bags
Posted on 6 Mar 2025 at by