New research by Pampers has revealed that a significant number of UK parents of premature babies are hesitant to touch their infants due to concerns about the fragility of their skin. The study found that 82% of parents of premature babies felt nervous about touching their baby while in neonatal care, with 52% citing the delicacy of their baby’s skin as the main reason.
Premature babies have skin that is up to two times thinner than full-term babies, making it highly sensitive to touch. Despite this vulnerability, skin-to-skin contact is crucial for premature infants as it is the first sense they develop and plays an important role in their development. Research has shown that touch stimulates the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for creating a strong familial bond between parents and their babies.
However, many parents, despite the benefits of skin-to-skin contact, feel apprehensive about the potential risks to their baby’s skin in the early stages of neonatal care. Pampers’ research highlights how vital it is for parents to have the correct information and support from neonatal professionals to feel confident in engaging in these important bonding moments. This is where Family Integrated Care (FiCare) plays a pivotal role.
FiCare encourages parents to actively participate in their babies’ care, even during difficult moments such as nappy changes, which not only helps strengthen the bond between parent and child but also contributes positively to the mental health of the parents. In fact, 92% of parents surveyed stated that being involved in nappy changes while their baby was in neonatal care helped them bond, and 78% agreed that these moments had a lasting positive impact on their relationship with their child.
Pampers continues to support Bliss, the UK’s leading charity for premature and sick babies, to promote FiCare and ensure that parents have access to the tools and support they need during this challenging time. Caroline Lee-Davey, Chief Executive of Bliss, said: “We are proud to advocate for Family Integrated Care and its benefits for both babies and parents. Our long-standing partnership with Pampers is vital in ensuring parents don’t miss out on essential moments with their babies, including during nappy changes.”
Pampers’ Preemie Protection nappies, developed in consultation with neonatal nurses and parents, are designed to be extra gentle on the delicate skin of premature babies. The nappies are created to fit around medical lines and provide up to six hours of leakage protection, helping to protect babies’ fragile skin.
Since 2017, Pampers has donated over two million Preemie Protection nappies to hospitals and families across the UK. As part of World Prematurity Day on November 17th, Pampers is partnering with Oti Mabuse, the world champion dancer and broadcaster, whose daughter was born prematurely at 28 weeks. Mabuse, who used Pampers Preemie Protection nappies during her daughter’s stay in neonatal care, is sharing her story to raise awareness of the importance of touch and bonding in premature baby care.
“I’m proud to partner with Pampers,” said Oti Mabuse. “The nappy changes were one of the most important moments for us to bond with our daughter during her time in the neonatal unit.”
To help raise awareness, Pampers is running a campaign from November 6th, 2024, to January 2nd, 2025. For every pack of Pampers nappies purchased at Boots, one premature nappy will be donated to babies in neonatal care across the UK. Please visit pampersforpreemies.pampers.co.uk for more information.
