Feb-20-19
The PAL pacifier plays a lullaby to encourage premature babies to suck milk and bond with family.
Premature babies are often born with their sucking reflex underdeveloped, which can make it difficult for them to take in nutrients. They are also treated in isolated units away from their families, which can increase stress for the parents and the child.
To help these babies strengthen their family bond and their sucking reflex, a team at the UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital are testing the PAL (pacifier-active lullaby) device. When the PAL pacifier detects the baby sucking on it, it will trigger a lullaby recorded by the family. The babies enjoy the lullaby, which encourages them to use the pacifier and grow accustomed to their family's voice.
In tests, 70 percent of premature infants using the PAL improved their pacifier proficiency, an important skill for feeding.
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