ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nurse World Community has introduced an innovative neonatal care technique aimed at supporting premature and critically ill newborns who face challenges with oral feeding.
Known as cotton swab feeding, the method uses a sterile swab dipped in breast milk or glucose solution, gently applied to the infant’s lips.
This approach provides comfort while stimulating early feeding reflexes, helping fragile babies gradually transition to conventional feeding.
A demonstration video, shared on the Nurse World Community’s official X account on Tuesday, has since gained wide attention.
“This gentle method provides both comfort and an opportunity to encourage feeding reflexes in vulnerable newborns,” a spokesperson for the group explained.
Designed specifically for use in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), the procedure is performed only under strict medical supervision to minimise potential risks such as aspiration. Medical experts note that while the method does not replace conventional feeding, it offers a valuable bridge for babies who are not yet strong enough to suck or swallow independently.
Health professionals and parents alike are praising the innovation for its contribution to neonatal health, particularly in settings where fragile infants require specialised interventions. Early responses suggest the technique could complement existing NICU practices, offering hope for improved feeding outcomes.
As neonatal mortality remains a pressing concern in many countries, advocates say simple, safe and compassionate interventions such as cotton swab feeding may play a significant role in improving survival rates and long-term development for vulnerable infants.
