Connecting Babies and Families in the NICU
Developed by a neonatologist with support from the National Institutes of Health, The smallTalk® NICU Egg™ speaker helps families stay connected with their babies during NICU stays. Families make recordings for their babies that are played by the care team when they can’t be there. Recordings are automatically played at a NICU-safe volume and duration.
The Power of Voice
A stay in the NICU leads to a significant reduction in voice exposure. Caregiver voice exposure is one of the basic neural building blocks critical for communication and overall brain development.
How It Works
smallTalk provides care teams and parents with evidence-based protocols, resources, and all the support needed to bring The NICU Egg to babies in need.
Parents create recordings for their baby using our NICU Parent Companion App and transfer them to the NICU Egg speaker.
Parents and their care team work together to create a plan to play the Egg for the baby. We recommend the Egg is played once or twice per shift during wakeful times.
When the baby is ready, the care team plays the Egg by pushing a single button. The duration and volume is pre-set and the Egg will automatically shut off when the session is over.
Designed for NICU Infection Control
The Egg is designed for the NICU environment. The speaker is completely sealed, and made with medical-grade plastics. Cleaning is done simply with your common cleaning products.
Tailored for NICU Infants
Our patented algorithms and hardware automatically control volume and duration of play for each infant based on postmenstrual age and if they are in an isolette or open crib.
For Organizations
Starter
$300/each
Ideal for organizations looking to start a small program, with a limited number of devices. Contact us for bulk pricing.
Included:
✓ The smallTalk NICU Egg Speaker
The NICU Egg is designed specifically for NICU babies, with infection control and safe audio settings. Includes a 90-day warranty and free returns.
✓ The smallTalk Parent Companion App
You’ll coach parents using The smallTalk Parent App to make recordings, compile playlists, and transfer files to the NICU Egg.
✓ Recording Guide & Resources
A parent coaching guide and additional resources to help you create an implementation plan and help parents create the best recordings for their babies.
Enterprise
Plans start at just $3,500/year
For organizations who are ready to implement a larger program, complete with staff training and IT support.
Included:
✓ Device Maintenance & Replacement
We’ll repair or replace damaged speakers as needed throughout your contract.
✓ The smallTalk Hospital Companion App
Your staff can manage parent accounts and recordings all in one place on a HIPAA-compliant system.
✓ Staff Training & Support
We provide live and on-demand staff training to ensure seamless implementation of the NICU Egg, as well as expertise in coaching parents on infant-directed speech.
For Parents
Parents have the option to purchase The NICU Egg directly. We provide all the resources you need to bring the Egg to your NICU and create a plan with your care team.
The NICU is a Stressful Environment for babies and their families
Separation from caregivers, lack of physical contact, noise levels, and other factors contribute to an environment that hinders bonding and deprives infants of a key developmental element, their caregiver’s voice.
The Benefits
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For Infants
For infants in the NICU, hearing their caregiver's voice helps in increasing cardiorespiratory stability and growth, improves deep sleep, and has even associated with shorter stays. And, it’s good for their brain. Caregiver voice exposure is essential to any NICU developmental care plan. smallTalk makes it easy and safe.
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For Caregivers
We empower NICU parents by providing them with a vital sense of connection to their babies. For many caregivers, the inability to be constantly by their baby's side is a deeply heart-wrenching reality. Our solution allows your families to leave a meaningful presence with their little ones, ensuring their voices bring comfort and connection. This connection can provide a sense of peace during a challenging time. Let smallTalk be an essential component of your family-centered care plan.