Babies in the neonatal unit at Forth Valley Royal Hospital can now get used to travelling in a car before they leave hospital – thanks to the gift of a Mamaroo which simulates the movement of a vehicle. The special chair also plays sounds similar to those babies hear in the womb, and Mums can plug in an i-Pod so the infant can listen to music played during pregnancy.

Donated by Jan Stewart Pram and Nursery in Falkirk the Mamaroo was presented to the ward by Claire Hamilton who said the chair was proving extremely popular. She said: “Mums are raving about it. They say it’s absolutely fantastic. I had twins in a neonatal unit and I think the staff do an absolutely wonderful job so it’s nice to be able to give something back.”

Two week old Alistair Dornan from Stirling is pictured snuggling into the chair. His Mum Amanda was impressed. She explained: “It’s really good, it seems to be working. He’s actually due his feed but it seems to be keeping him quiet.”

As well as the Mamaroo, the Unit also took delivery of a special star projector from Greig Melville HR, which lights up the ceiling with a shower of stars and shimmering clouds.
Alison Melville commented: “Greig Melville HR has always believed in supporting community causes and this gift of a star projector to the neonatal unit reflects this. It is particularly meaningful for me as a former nursery nurse and I now have several nurses as clients.”

The gifts were received by NHS Forth Valley Neonatal Ward Sister Heather Clark.