PARENTS of babies born prematurely and in need of extra care at Airedale Hospital are being helped to record special moments in their child’s progress.

So-called journey bags have been created by staff on the Steeton hospital’s neonatal unit for parents to chart important milestones and to make their stay on the ward easier.

Each bag contains items including a baby diary, reading book, keepsake bag, inkless footprint kit, mini octopus, milestone cards and a notebook for parents to write down their thoughts and feelings and any questions they may want to ask.

Rebecca Inman, junior sister on the unit, said the bags were designed to support new parents when they first arrive at the hospital.

She added: “The diary has a place to write everything down when your child is born and any significant days or things that parents want to record for their baby – such as ‘today I had my first cuddle’ or ‘today I wore my own clothes’.

“The journey bag helps parents to recognise these moments and it’s something nice to keep.”

The neonatal unit also has an Amazon wishlist for anyone to buy items.

Neonatal junior sister Rebecca Inman is pictured with new mum Katie Stanley and her baby Ariya.