Carrier Care: An Innovative Approach to Support Small Babies in the NICU

A large body of research on skin-to-skin contact (SSC), particularly for preterm infants, provides robust evidence that it benefits both mothers and infants (Koreti \& Muntode Gharde, 2022). Premature infants in the NICU are often separated from their caregivers and placed into an otherwise artificial environment, leading to neurological, sociological, and psychological consequences, along with the impacts of being born prematurely. In addition to positive outcomes, it is notable that SSC is a safe intervention. For example, one review found no negative impact on vital signs or any reports of adverse events before, during, or after SSC (Bisanalli et al., 2023). Overall, SSC shortens hospital stays in the NICU, lowers risks for neonatal infection, increases weight gain, lowers cortisol levels, increases feeding tolerance, and helps with thermoregulation and homeostasis while being safe for the infants and their caregivers participating (Azevedo et al., 2012; Cristóbal Cañadas et al., 2022).

Research on babywearing (close physical contact while clothed or extended arms-free holding) is growing, but a recent scoping review indicates positive biological and behavioral effects for both mothers and infants (Grisham et al., 2023). This research team has previously demonstrated that babywearing effectively increases infant and caregiver comfort among infants diagnosed with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (Williams et al., 2020). We recently replicated this finding (Rankin et al., 2024), and also found that babywearing was perceived by nurses as helpful in the care and treatment of these infants (Williams et al., 2021). From the caregiver's perspective, babywearing helps with the tasks of parenting (e.g., calming the infant, putting the infant to sleep), increases bonding time, and is convenient (i.e., provides hands-free to complete other tasks) (Williams, 2020). Our research question is guided by the perspective that if babywearing can closely approximate the benefits of SSC, it would provide a more comfortable and convenient alternative to SSC and potentially extend the benefits by allowing for a greater amount of time spent in close physical proximity.

This project investigates the application of amplitude-integrated electro-encephalography (aEEG) to monitor brain activity and sleep-wake cycling in premature and term neonates in NICU settings. Continuous EEG monitoring for at least 2-3 hours is essential to capture both wakefulness and all stages of sleep. It typically utilizes a compressed display to evaluate slow activity and asynchronies critical in neonatal recordings (Mizrahi \& Kellaway, 2017). The aEEG provides a simplified, bedside tool for long-term monitoring of cerebral function, allowing detection of seizures and assessment of background brain activity patterns (Hellström-Westas et al., 2006) (Shellhaas et al., 2023). aEEG has proven especially useful in neonates with seizures, offering early prediction of neurodevelopmental outcomes based on patterns observed within the first 24 hours after birth (Shellhaas et al., 2023). The early presence of sleep-wake cyclicity on aEEG strongly predicts favorable brain imaging outcomes, while delayed or absent cyclicity is associated with severe abnormalities (Bruns et al., 2017).

Preterm infants show altered sleep patterns compared to term infants, with shorter sleep cycles and increased REM sleep, both of which are essential for brain maturation (Bandyopadhyay et al., 2017). Disrupted or insufficient sleep in NICU infants has been linked to short-term physiological alterations and long-term developmental delays, reinforcing the importance of protecting and promoting sleep quality (Gale et al., 2012; Gertner et al., 2012). aEEG is safe, well-tolerated even by extremely preterm infants, and can be interpreted by neonatal staff due to its simplicity and strong interrater reliability (Hellström-Westas et al., 2006; Toet et al., 2006). This research supports the advancement of non-invasive, accessible neuro-monitoring to guide care and improve neurodevelopmental outcomes in high-risk neonatal populations.

Inclusion Criteria for Infants

Participants for this study will include neonates:

• admitted to the hospital
• who have an estimated length of stay equal to or greater than fifteen (15) days
• weighing greater than or equal to 1800 grams at the time of enrollment
• that are medically stable (free of significant apnea, bradycardia, or desaturations) within the past 48 hours

Inclusion Criteria for Caregivers

Caregivers of infant participants for this study will include:

• caregivers must be 18 years or older,
• those willing to comply with the study protocol, specifically to participate daily in carrier care (CC) and skin-to-skin care (SSC) for fifteen (15) consecutive days.

Exclusion Criteria for Infants and Caregivers

Study participants who will be excluded from this study include:

• infants who require oxygen therapy or positive pressure respiratory support
• infants who have central intravenous lines (e.g., Broviac or peripherally inserted central catheter)
• caregivers who are prisoners
• caregivers who cannot read or speak English