A Testimonial

“You guys were wonderful today. Thanks so much. This is such a great support system for us mommies experiencing NICU for the first time. ” 
– Mother from South Miami Hospital

ICU Read

ICU baby believes that no baby should be alone in the NICU. The newborns at South Miami Hospital and Holtz Children’s Hospital receive exceptional medical care. However, for a variety of reasons, there are many NICU babies that are not visited by their family for days and sometimes weeks.

The ICU Read program brings pre-screened ICU baby volunteers in to the NICU to read to babies who are not visited often or may need extra stimulation and love. Research shows that early reading leads to improved language development in babies and ICU baby Readers provide a comforting voice to sooth the babies as they rest.

ICU baby Readers have been medically and security cleared by the hospital to enter the NICU and Readers consult with the nursing team as to which babies are able to be read to by them.

Two pertinent articles that address reading to babies include: Benefits of Reading to Your Newborn and Major Benefits of Reading Aloud to Infants.

Interested in becoming an ICU baby Reader? ICU baby is always looking for new volunteers! Click to get started.