The number of babies born prematurely is on the rise. In the United States, between 1990 and 2005, the incidence of premature birth rose by a fifth: now one in twelve babies is born a preemie.

A baby born before 37 weeks gestation is premature. When born so early, these babies face a host of problems – not just whether they survive, but developmentally in terms of learning, breathing, and even feeding.

Over the past two decades, improving developmental outcomes for these fragile infants has advanced neonatal medicine to a medical specialty. From harshly lit, noisy places, neonatal intensive care units have transformed into havens that use systems to create environments that mirror the womb. These new units reduce stress for these tiny patients and research has shown that simulating the womb while a baby is in intensive care may improve outcomes.

Philips Children's Medical Ventures is a leading provider of consulting and education services and developmentally supportive products for premature babies, healthy newborns, and hospitalized infants. We do this through education and products that meet the unique needs of these special babies.

Our products include WeePee diapers, specially designed for the tiniest babies, they help position the infant appropriately; the BiliChek bilirubin analyzer, a noninvasive technology to assess bilirubin levels and eliminate painful heel sticks; and a wide range of calming, soothing and feeding products that help simulate a familiar, comfortable and secure environment for developing infants.

Our goal is to help every baby reach his or her full developmental potential.