In Philadelphia, a groundbreaking device is making a difference in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The Sonura Beanie, developed by students Sophie Ishiwari and Gabby Daltoso, helps to create a soothing environment for premature infants by mimicking the calming sounds of the womb. Their innovative approach won them the 2023 President’s Innovation Prize from the University of Pennsylvania, providing $100,000 to further their project.
The Sonura Beanie is equipped with a medical device currently being tested at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. It functions by blocking disruptive hospital noises while delivering audio messages recorded by the infants’ parents. The goal is to enhance the emotional connection between parents and their babies during critical early days.
Ishiwari and Daltoso have conducted trials with six infants in the NICU, including Pamela Collins‘ son, John, who was born at just 20 weeks and weighed only 1 pound, 14 ounces. Collins expressed her amazement at the beanie’s effects, noting that when she arrived at the hospital, the nurses informed her that John had been laughing. “I really believe he was,” she said, highlighting the emotional impact of the device.
Parents like Collins, who live far from the hospital, have utilized the beanie to record messages of love and encouragement for their babies. Collins and her family have shared stories and even a Brazilian song to help John feel their presence. “It’s been incredible to see the reaction from six parents. I cannot imagine what it will feel like when it’s hundreds, even thousands of parents we’re able to help,” said Ishiwari and Daltoso, reflecting on the potential of their invention.
The team is currently measuring the Sonura Beanie’s effects on the infants by observing early indicators of decreased stress, such as lower heart rates and improved oxygen saturation. As they move forward, their goal is to assess how the device can influence growth and feeding patterns in these vulnerable babies.
The innovative approach of the Sonura Beanie represents a significant advancement in infant care within NICUs. By providing a connection to their parents and a familiar sound environment, Ishiwari and Daltoso are redefining how technology can support the emotional and physical well-being of premature infants. Their work stands as a testament to the potential of student-led innovations to create real-world solutions that benefit both families and healthcare professionals alike.
