[Towards an ideal environment in neonatology]. / Vers un environnement idéal en néonatalogie.

The establishment of sensory systems occurs gradually along a transnatal continuum. During premature birth, hospitalization in neonatology, through its atypical sensory stimulations, can disrupt the development of the baby's still immature brain. To promote harmonious development in children, caregivers and parents must learn to take into account their sensory expectations in order to create the most suitable environment possible for their development.

Evaluation of a new tool - "Step by step with my baby" - to support parental involvement in the care of preterm infants.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Parental guidance is essential for supporting parental involvement, maintaining the quality and safety of infant care, and limiting parental stress. The efficiency of a new tool to support parental empowerment - "Step by step with my baby" - was evaluated. The perception of this tool by parents and nurses was studied. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study conducted from September 2019 to December 2020 at a level-3 neonatal center. A total of 79 newborns (<33 weeks of gestational age or small for gestational age), 84 parents, and 94 nurses were included. The new tool that was evaluated is in the form of a drawing of flowers to be colored according to the parents' ability to care for their newborn. Six domains were explored and given a score (total of 35 points) according to the parents' ability to care for each item: behavior, skin-to-skin contact, carrying, oral and tube feeding, and routine care. The use and relevance of this tool were evaluated by parents and caregivers. RESULTS: At a mean of 19 days of life, parents required caregiver support regardless of the skill domain (6/35). After 26 days, the mean score increased to 19.4 (p < 0.05). Parents felt autonomous in changing diapers and monitoring temperature but always required help for skin-to-skin contact, carrying, and feeding with or without a tube. The progression was not affected by the presence of siblings, the distance from home, and staying in the parental hospital room. For 67 % of the parents, the tool gave them a better understanding of their newborn and helped them be more confident (69 %) without feeling judged (81 %). These feelings were upheld by nurses. CONCLUSIONS: This tool was efficient for evaluating parents' autonomy and helped them take ownership of the care provided.