Supportive Developmental Care for Newborns

Infants in neonatal care units are exposed to significant noise from their surroundings, which can lead to severe ear damage, hearing loss, excessive crying, increased intracranial pressure, and reduced oxygen saturation levels.

Examples of Developmental Auditory Care in the NICU

• Playing recordings of parents' or siblings' voices.
• Playing soft, calming music.
• Talking to the infant in varied tones.
• Calling the infant by name during interactions.

Noise Protection Measures

• Avoid loud conversations inside the NICU, especially when infants are sleeping.
• Close doors gently and quietly.
• Avoid placing objects on top of the incubator.
• Quickly remove air bubbles from oxygen tubing or ventilators.
• Set phone ringtones to the lowest volume or move the phone outside the NICU when possible.
• Minimize disturbing the infant’s sleep unless absolutely necessary.
• Lift furniture rather than dragging it to move it within the NICU.