Research shows that reading to your baby, even preemies in the NICU, is essential to healthy brain development and reading skills.

MASCO member Brigham and Women's Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine has started a program in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to ensure their littlest patients are read to every single day.

BWH Neonatologist Dr. Carmina Erdei is spearheading the project. "Babies are in huge need of meaningful auditory stimulation," she said. “It promotes early brain development, and it really sets up a child for success."

Erdei said research shows more than half of babies born at very low birth weight have language delays. They show lower language skills at age 2. In contrast, those exposed to meaningful language show increased reading proficiency by the third grade.

See the WCVB news segment here. BWH is accepting donations of new or very gently used books. Donations can be sent to:

Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine
75 Francis St.
Boston, MA 02115