In a heartwarming initiative aimed at fostering connections between families and their newborns, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, recently hosted its 7th annual Babies with Books Read-A-Thon. To celebrate National Literacy Month and National NICU Awareness Month, babies in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were dressed in delightful jungle-themed costumes, featuring lions, zebras, monkeys, and giraffes, all under the enchanting theme of “Wild About Reading.”
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The event served as a unique platform for parents, caregivers, and siblings to join bedside in reading to the infants, thereby highlighting the crucial role that early literacy plays in child development. Katherine Zaensi, a mother whose baby daughter donned a zebra costume for the occasion, expressed the significance of the event, stating, “Just having a baby in the NICU is hard. When you come in here and see her dressed up like that, it brings light.”
The brainchild behind this colourful celebration was Tahira Smith, a dedicated registered nurse who meticulously curated the costumes and themed decorations. According to Smith, her goal is to create an atmosphere that allows families to set aside their worries, if only for a moment, and instead focus on enjoying the presence of their little ones. “It brings me so much joy to see a parent so happy and engaged with their baby,” Smith commented. She noted that many parents facing the challenges of the NICU may miss out on traditional newborn activities, such as photoshoots, and that this event provides a touch of normalcy in an otherwise demanding situation.
The Read-A-Thon not only serves as a form of emotional respite but also emphasises the importance of reading to babies from their earliest days. Nurse practitioner Elaine Green elaborated on the event’s impact, indicating that the simple act of reading for 20 minutes a day can have significant benefits and stresses the role parents can play in their child’s care. “It empowers them to actively participate, and reading is something they can continue long after leaving the NICU,” Green stated.
The Babies with Books Read-A-Thon has witnessed considerable growth since its inception within the Memorial Healthcare System in 2020, starting with just 39 participating NICUs. By 2025, this number had surged to 249. The previous year’s event saw an astonishing 73,817 reading sessions recorded across participating hospitals, with Memorial Hospital Miramar securing the 23rd spot overall.
Zaensi, alongside other families, found great meaning in the shared reading experience. The joy of seeing their babies dressed up and participating in such heartwarming activities brings a glimmer of hope during challenging times. “It provides a sense of joy and connection that these families genuinely need,” Zaensi added.
Both Smith and Green underline that the event extends beyond the delightful costumes and the festive atmosphere; it is about nurturing the bonds between parents and their children. “This helps parents realise that even in this early stage, their involvement is crucial,” Green explained.
As the Babies with Books Read-A-Thon continues to gain momentum, it encapsulates the spirit of joy and connection within a place often filled with uncertainty and worry. While the NICU can be a daunting environment, initiatives like this one provide families with opportunities for joy, connection, and hope for a brighter future.
Through each page turned and every story shared, families are invited to embrace the wonders of literacy, reinforcing the notion that even the smallest moments can nurture profound connections. The event serves not only as a celebration of reading but also as a reminder of the importance of community support in the hospital setting, transforming the NICU experience for families navigating the complexities of early parenthood.