Tiny Little Library Launched at CUMH Neonatal Unit

A new 'Tiny Little Library' has been launched at the neonatal unit at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), giving families free access to age-appropriate books to share with their babies during their hospital stay.

HSE South West has partnered with Cork City Libraries and Cork County Library and Arts Service on the initiative, offering families meaningful opportunities to bond with their babies through reading, talking and singing.

Babies receiving neonatal care may arrive earlier than expected or require specialist support. Research shows that hearing the familiar voices of their parents through reading, talking and singing can help foster early bonding and support babies' development.

Susan Vaughan, Neonatal Clinical Nurse Specialist (NIDCAP) at Cork University Maternity Hospital, said:

"Research has shown that reading to and with babies in the neonatal unit can strengthen parent-infant bonding, reduce stress for both babies and parents, and support early language development. Parents' voices provide familiar and comforting sounds in what can be a very unfamiliar environment.

Even the smallest and most premature babies communicate with us through their behaviour and cues. Reading together gives parents the opportunity to get to know their baby's unique ways of communicating, helping them to build confidence and strengthen their relationship. We are delighted to partner with Cork City Libraries and Cork County Library and Arts Service to bring the Tiny Little Library to our neonatal unit, giving families another way to connect with their baby during their hospital stay."

Families with babies in the neonatal unit are encouraged to enjoy the books during their hospital stay, and to continue reading together at home by becoming members of their local public library, where they can access a wide range of books and family resources free of charge.