Multisensory care to boost development in preterm babies in the NICU

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project aims to help babies born very early by delivering structured, developmentally appropriate sensory experiences in the NICU. The approach includes finalized doses and timing of interventions such as massage, sound exposure, gentle rocking, holding, and skin-to-skin care, tailored to each infant’s developmental stage. Parents are guided on when and how to engage with their baby to strengthen bonding and support long-term outcomes. The team will test and refine how consistently these multisensory activities are applied to maximize benefit for infants and families. Overall, the goal is to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes and parent-infant relationships during a critical period in the NICU.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Southern California
  Los Angeles, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Pineda, Roberta — University of Southern California
• Study coordinator: Pineda, Roberta

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Helping preterm babies in the NICU grow and develop better with gentle sensory experiences

  This project aims to help very preterm babies in the NICU develop well by providing them with gentle, positive sensory experiences and supporting their parents.

  NIH research University of Southern California · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-11169838

• Improving care for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

  This study is testing a special program called SENSE to help preterm babies in the NICU grow and develop better by using gentle touch, sounds, and skin-to-skin time, while also helping parents connect with their little ones during their hospital stay.

  NIH research University of Southern California · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-10892638

• Phthalate Exposure and How It Affects Newborns in the NICU

  This grant looks at how chemicals called phthalates in the NICU environment may affect the health and development of newborns, especially those born prematurely.

  NIH research Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · Manhasset, United States · NIH-11594454

• Improving care for opioid use disorder in the ICU

  This project helps hospital staff in intensive care units provide better care for patients with opioid use disorder.

  NIH research Mainehealth · Portland, United States · NIH-11477142

• Juggling Work and Family for Parents of Very Preterm Babies

  A study to understand how work and family demands affect parents of very preterm infants and how this shapes their ability to support their baby’s development.

  NIH research Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island · Providence, United States · NIH-11413664

• Implementing SDOH screening and referrals in the NICU to support fragile newborns

  A NICU-based program to screen newborns and families for social needs and connect them to services that can improve health and development.

  NIH research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · Worcester, United States · NIH-11398100

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.