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Published 13:04 17 Apr 2026 BST
For some families, the first days of their baby's life unfold not at home, but in neonatal units. In these quiet, critical moments, it’s compassion and expertise that matter most.
That belief sits at the heart of a renewed initiative from Johnson’s Baby, whose mission has long been to help give every child the best possible start, no matter where their journey begins.
This year, their Helping Hands initiative continues it’s partnership with Children’s Health Foundation, bringing practical, deeply impactful support to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) hospitals and urgent care centres across Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly.
At the centre of this year’s effort is something both simple and powerful, and that is; helping babies feel calm and safe.
Neonatal units care for some of Ireland’s tiniest patients, whether they are babies born too soon or with complex medical needs.
Many require extended hospital stays, surrounded by medical equipment and unfamiliar sounds during a time when their brains and bodies are still developing.
Recognising how crucial this early stage is, the Helping Hands initiative will fund specialist training for healthcare professionals working directly with these babies.
Through the Sensory Beginnings Course, 20 staff members across CHI Crumlin and Temple Street will gain advanced skills in delivering sensory-informed care designed to reduce stress, support brain development and nurture the bond between baby and parent. This is a resource that will serve 400 babies per year across CHI Crumlin and Temple Street.
The training brings together a multidisciplinary team of nurses, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. The result is a more connected, compassionate model of care, that not only improves comfort and development for babies, but also supports families navigating an emotional and sometimes uncertain journey.
Speaking about the initiative, Niamh Sugrue, Brand Manager for Johnson’s® Baby said: “We are thrilled to be able to continue our association with Children’s Health Foundation and to be able to provide funding for practical support.
“This project will help to improve individualised care for some of Ireland’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens, provide vital support for their families, and bring real benefits to the neonatal staff in CHI Crumlin and Tallaght”.
Head of Fundraising Jessica O Leary at Children’s Health Foundation, thanked the team at Johnson’s® Baby for their ongoing support.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Johnson’s® Baby delivering another powerful and practical initiative.
“This specialist training will allow our team to hone their skills in understanding, interpreting and responding to each baby’s sensory cues, allowing staff to provide truly individualised neurodevelopmentally supportive care.
“It will also help the team share learnings across CHI, to benefit the wider team and support long term improvements in neonatal care.”
From May 5th to June 15th 2026, the Johnson’s Baby Helping Hands for Sensory Care initiative will run in Tesco stores across Ireland. Every purchase will help support neonatal teams, families and Ireland’s tiniest patients.
