The effect of maternal scent-infused blanket on the stress level, crying duration and physiological parameters of premature newborns

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: p < 0.001 for primary outcomes

• Effect Size: Not reported

• Primary Outcome: Maternal scent-infused blanket group showed significantly lower stress scores (NSS) and shorter crying duration compared to control groups

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not calculable from available data

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

High feasibility - requires minimal resources, staff training, and poses no apparent safety concerns Aligns with family-centered care principles promoted by Australian neonatal guidelines; could complement existing developmental care protocols in Australian NICUs Premature infants in NICU settings who are medically stable enough for blanket intervention

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Olfactory cues from the mother may soothe distress in premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This study evaluated the effect of a maternal scent-infused blanket on stress, crying duration, and physiological parameters in premature newborns. METHODS: This double-blind randomized clinical trial included 69 premature infants who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: maternal scent-infused blanket, unscented blanket, or control (no blanket) group. Infants were covered with the assigned blanket for 60 min daily for 3 consecutive days. The maternal scent was obtained by placing a clean blanket in contact with the mother's bare chest overnight prior to each day's exposure, with fragrance-free cleansing products used and a new blanket for each session. Primary outcomes were stress level (Newborn Stress Scale, NSS), crying duration (chronometer), and Secondary outcomes were physiological parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature). Measurements were collected at 5 min before intervention, immediately after, and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min during intervention, plus 5 min after intervention, each day for three consecutive days. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA adjusting for baseline values; p < 0.05 denoted significance. RESULTS: Stress scores and crying duration differed significantly among groups during the intervention, with the maternal scent-infused blanket group showing lower NSS scores and shorter crying times than the unscented and no-blanket groups (p < 0.001). During exposure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature differed among groups (significant at multiple time points, p < 0.001); by contrast, respiratory rate did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Differences were not observed at baseline or immediately after the intervention for these physiological measures. CONCLUSION: The maternal scent-infused blanket may reduce stress and crying duration, with transient improvements in some physiological parameters during exposure. Maternal olfactory cues could serve as a feasible non-pharmacological adjunct to support comfort and well-being in vulnerable newborns, emphasizing parental involvement in neonatal care.

References

1. 1.Shafaati Laleh, S., Inal, S., & Mirghafourvand, M. (2026). The effect of maternal scent-infused blanket on the stress level, crying duration and physiological parameters of premature newborns. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767058.2026.2648898