On April 4, 2024, on the occasion of World Plagiocephaly Day, ECUS Kids donated Care® mattresses for mini cribs to the São José Local Health Unit – Alfredo Costa Maternity Hospital in Portugal. This initiative is part of our commitment to safe and healthy sleep for babies, helping to prevent plagiocephaly from the first days of life.
Why is this donation important?
Every year, thousands of babies are born at Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa, one of Portugal's most important maternity centers. In 2024, this hospital reached 4,000 births, the highest number since 2012, reflecting its crucial role in maternal and child care.
The first days of life are critical for a baby's development, and rest plays a key role. Care® mattresses are specifically designed to distribute pressure evenly across the baby's head, reducing the risk of plagiocephaly. With this donation, we are helping to ensure that newborns at this maternity hospital get the best possible rest from the very beginning.
What is plagiocephaly and how can we prevent it?
Plagiocephaly is a deformity of the baby's head that occurs when they spend a lot of time in the same position, causing part of the skull to flatten. Although it is often only a cosmetic problem, in some cases it can affect the baby's development if not treated in time.
The good news is that it can be prevented with a few simple habits:
- Alternate sleeping positions: change the orientation of the baby's head in the crib every night.
- Place them face down when awake: place them in this position for a few minutes a day, always under supervision.
- Use mattresses designed to prevent plagiocephaly: such as our Care® mattress, which helps reduce the risk of plagiocephaly from day one.
ECUS Kids: committed to children's rest and health
We have spent years researching and designing mattresses that protect the health of little ones. Our donation to the Dr. Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital is yet another small example of our commitment to the well-being of newborns and their families.
Good rest is essential for babies' development, which is why we continue to focus on innovative solutions that make a difference. If you are expecting a baby or already have one at home, we encourage you to learn about plagiocephaly and take steps to prevent it.
We are very excited to hear the words of thanks from Nurse Esmeralda: "Everyone loves the mattresses, we are grateful for the babies."
The ECUS Kids family thanks the entire Maternity team for their trust. Dr. Alfredo da Costa.
In the image, from left to right:
- Fátima Rodrigues - Commercial Director, ECUS Kids in Portugal
- Esmeralda Pereira - Nurse Manager of the Neonatology Unit at Dr. Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital
- Susana Fraga - Specialist Rehabilitation Nurse in the Neonatology Unit
- Mariana Almeida—Physical Therapist, Neonatology Unit
