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is the original sleeping and bonding aid for babies completely handcrafted in the
United States by moms, grandmothers, and female college students under "newborn-safe"
conditions (environments free of tobacco and perfumes.) It is comprised of
100% natural fibers and has been safe for use with all babies including newborns,
premature infants, and other babies in Neonatal Intensive Care units.
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The very first was
created by a Dutch woman inspired by the birth of a friend ’s premature infant.
The Dutch word “snoedel” means “snuggle”. The body is 100% cotton flannel, the head
is stuffed with pure clean and carded sheeps wool; Snoedels can be safely machine
washed and dried. After being washed, a Snoedel should be re-infused with the parent’s
scent. |
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HOW SNOEDELS WORK
Recent research suggests that just an hour after birth
a newborn can locate his mother’s nipple by sense of smell. In addition to bringing
comfort and reassurance, the sense of smell is one of the first things that bond
a baby to its parents. |
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Snoedels bring comfort as “aromatherapy of the very best kind
- the scent of a mom”. They are designed specifically to absorb and retain a mother’s
(or father’s) scent. Then when held or placed near a newborn or infant the scent
is slowly released to comfort the baby, thus improving sleep, aiding in bonding,
and soothing a baby’s crying or distress. A parent (preferably the mother) should
sleep with the soft Snoedel for a couple of nights prior to giving the Snoedel to
the baby. Snoedels can be “infused” this way before the baby is born, especially
if a premature birth is anticipated, so that the baby can be given the Snoedel soon
after birth when taken from mom and placed in an incubator. |
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SNOEDELS FACILITATING ADOPTIONS
Snoedel's can be used during the adoption process to
begin the bonding between baby and parent, while waiting for delivery of the child.
This can be especially helpful in international adoptions, when waiting periods
are longer and language and cultural differences may add additional barriers between
the baby and its adopting parents.
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SNOEDELS ARE INTRODUCED INTO HOSPITALS
In 1996,
Snoedel was introduced to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) when the first Snoedel
was made especially for a premature baby (preemie) born at Arnold Palmer Children’s
Hospital of Orlando, FL. Preemies are usually separated from their parents and kept
on ventilators, heart monitors, and other medical equipment. Instead of being totally
isolated from the touch of his parents, this baby in NICU had the comfort and scent
of his mother near him, slowly being released through the accompanying Snoedel,
to ease the separation and continue the parent-to-baby bonding process. Impressed
by the Snoedel with this one baby, the hospital was soon providing Snoedels to every
infant in its NICU.
In addition, the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, after using Snoedels for only
a month, admitted that “babies…feel more comforted and secure, especially as medical
procedures are done,” from the unique smell of Mom or Dad captured in the soft cloth
of the Snoedel.
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A preemie "is out in the world
before he or she should be, and this causes tremendous stress. Using the scent
of mom or dad is one step to counteract that stress, by creating a comfortable environment
that gives them a sense of who they are."
- Broward General Medical Center Spokeswomen |
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