Table 1.

Project BEGIN Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion criteria:

• Infant is a healthy, growing NICU inpatient and, in the view of the attending neonatologist, unlikely to develop serious complications that would limit study participation.

• Caregiver ≥18 years of age

• Infant gestational age at birth <29weeks

• Infant gestational age at time of study recruitment >34 weeks, on full feeds and nearing discharge

Exclusion criteria:

• Significant lung disease of prematurity requiring supplemental oxygen or corticosteroids at discharge

• Significant intraventricular hemorrhage, grade III –IV

• Necrotizing enterocolitis

• Tracheostomy

• Bone diseases (e.g., osteogenesis imperfecta, hip or knee joint anomalies, arthrogryposis, fractures)

• Skin disorders (e.g., erythematus bullosis)

• Symptomatic congenital heart disease

• Any other conditions or congenital anomalies likely to severely impact the ability of the premature baby and caregiver to participate in a demanding study