Educational materials to empower parents of preterm infants within a family-centered early intervention in the NICU

Introduction Prematurity exposes infants and families to multiple stressors during NICU stay, with potential effects on neurodevelopment and parental wellbeing. Evidence highlights the protective role of early interventions (EI) that actively involve parents. This project aimed to design and introduce tailored educational materials for parents of preterm infants to support a structured EI program during NICU stay. Methods The project was part of a clinical study including biparental families of preterm infants born between 24 +0 and 32 +6 weeks of gestation, who received a previously designed EI program based on parental involvement and multisensory experiences. Following contextual analysis and existing literature, educational materials were developed through iterative focus groups involving NICU professionals and incorporating parents' informal feedback. After the initial definition of content and design, multiple drafts were reviewed to optimize clarity, accessibility, and layout. Results Seven bilingual (Italian/English) leaflets were developed, addressing infant behavioral cues, co-regulation, positive multisensory experiences (voice listening, massage therapy, visual interaction), and transition at home. The materials were shared with 104 families (mean GA = 29.95 ± 2.11 weeks). Parents highlighted the strong emotional resonance of the NICU experience and the perceived value of the materials. Professionals informally reported improved coherence in EI delivery and perceived enhanced collaboration with NICU staff. Discussion Educational materials can strengthen parental engagement when implementing EI programs in the NICU, which is of paramount importance to create a nurturing environment. Future research is needed to validate the effectiveness of these resources and assess their impact on parent-infant outcomes.