2008/03/03 - Hammocks 'beneficial for premature babies'

Researchers in Colombia have designed hammocks that they say can help premature babies grow and develop. The 50-centimetre devices are positioned in an incubator for the infant to lie on and have proved popular and effective, doctors claim.

By keeping babies on their backs as they sleep, the hammocks help reduce the chance of suffering from apnea, a common problem for premature infants that interferes with their breathing.

Dr Freddy Rodriguez said that dozens of babies have already benefited from the treatment since it was rolled out two years ago.

And new mother Yannis Morales was quoted by the BBC as saying: "I'm the mother of a baby that is here and I think the therapy is very good because the baby responds very well."

A premature baby is one that is born before 37 weeks of gestation. Data from charity Bliss reveals that one in eight infants born in the UK require some form of special care.

Bargains – Pick One Up Today!

© Adfero Ltd

These are not necessarily the views of kiddicare.com