As a result of COVID-19, there have been new hospital visitor protocols impacting parents and babies - especially the most vulnerable baby population, those born prematurely who need to stay for days or months at the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Hospital restrictions vary and can range from fully restricting visits to allowing one parent to visit for specific hours during the day.
Parent-baby interaction is critical, not only for the peace of mind of the parents, but for the development of the baby which depends on important cues such as the parents’ voices, which is why Pampers will be providing $400,000 in technology grants to eligible hospital NICUs in the U.S. and Canada to help keep babies and families connected. These grants will enable hospitals across the U.S. and Canada to invest in improving connectivity capabilities in so parents can spend quality time and connect with their babies, while abiding by hospital visiting limitations. This will allow parents and families to talk, read and sing to babies even when they are not physically together.
During the two-week application period, we received an overwhelming response with more than 360 applications.
Applications were evaluated by independent parties by the March of Dimes (MOD) in the U.S. and Canadian Premature Baby Foundation (CPBF) in Canada during the week of May 11th. Winners were announced this week.
These NICU grants are part of Pampers Bright Beginnings. We believe a baby’s beginning is the most essential step toward their future and we are committed to helping their happy, healthy development right from the start. Through the Pampers Bright Beginnings program, we strive to support babies and their families by working to enable early success and development, enhancing access to resources, tools and support.
