Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Program Promotes Brain Development In NICU Babies

Toy Foundation Grant Helps in ‘Shaping the Lives of Little Ones’

A program implemented at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is helping babies treated in its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay on track developmentally during extended hospitalizations.

“Shaping the Lives of Little Ones” focuses on enhancing the sensory environment for NICU babies most likely to have delayed brain development. That’s done by having nurses, therapists, child life specialists, volunteers, and family members use developmental toys and equipment during interactions with critically-ill infants to improve the child’s attachment, motor skills, and to develop trust in their environment. Babies showed improved focus, mastered visual, head, and hand skills, and appropriately interacted with caregivers, decreasing the negative impact of extended hospitalizations on these infants and the likelihood of having further developmental delays.

The program was underwritten by a $25,000 grant from The Toy Foundation, with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital one of only 20 hospitals or health systems in the U.S. selected to receive funding.

“We care for the tiniest and sickest babies for extended periods of time and are so grateful to have The Toy Foundation as our partner on this journey,” said Kelley Morris, president and CEO of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. “It has allowed us to bring the healing power of play to the most vulnerable, and to improve their odds of having healthy futures.”

Grant dollars were also allocated to purchasing art supplies to document a baby’s first holiday, medical accomplishment, or 100th day of life, recognition that is part of the children’s hospital’s mission to provide superior patient and family-centered care.