On Ward 35 SCBU RVI Newcastle Upon Tyne we are constantly striving to find new ways to make the neonatal experience more bearable for parents during their time with us. We are strong advocates of Family Centred Care and we are always looking at new ways to encourage and support the Parent and Infant bonding process, especially during their time of separation.In the past during times of separation we have provided clothing to parents that their baby has worn, or small pieces of muslin to help reduce parental anxiety. During our constant search to look at ways to improve the support we provide to families we discovered the Cuski: Miniboos were in the process of being developed at this time.
What are Cuskis? Cuski is the anglicised Welsh term meaning ‘to sleep’ Cuski Baby Comforters are designed to stimulate the awareness of parent’s familiar scents, helping to induce security and wellbeing, which is fundamental to children.
The Cuski Concept: - Mummy/Daddy sleeps with Cuski to transfer all their comforting scents on to Cuski’s unique material. When introduced to the baby, Cuski will create a cosy safe environment for the little one to drift off to sleep still feeling the closeness of their parents. Cuski Baby Comforters are essential for those times when you cannot be with baby 24/7. Exposure to mothers scent (and fathers), during kangaroo care especially in neonatal units, is well recognised as being both calming and soothing to the baby. Miniboos are a smaller version of a Cuski specifically designed for use with preterm babies. They are made from 100% bamboo rayon fibre that is absorbent, eco-friendly and has anti-bacterial properties. They are a purpose made product to encourage parental and baby bonding and attachment during times of separation.
This practice is now in place on the unit. There are numerous research articles available to demonstrate the importance of supporting parent and infant bonding in the NICU and especially the role of scent and attachment. We are very fortunate to have the support of our ward charity Tiny Lives who helped fund the provision of 2 Miniboos for every baby admitted. This means one is always with the parents and one is always with baby.
The implementation of Miniboos has been very smooth and warmly met, and we have received incredibly positive feedback from both parents and staff since their implementation on the unit. Parents have reported back that the Miniboos have helped improve the bond with their baby during separation. To be able to smell their baby when they were apart was a great comfort and definitely helped with milk expressing. It was also comforting to know that their baby felt safe and secure with their familiar scent nearby.