The NeoRESQ and NeoReturn teams support babies during some of the most critical moments of their lives - transporting critically ill newborns to specialist care, returning recovering babies to hospitals closer to home following tertiary treatment, home, and helping families bring babies home or to hospice for end-of-life care. 

This initiative provides families with meaningful keepsakes and practical support throughout that journey. Building on the success of the NeoBuddy memento already gifted to more than 1,300 families, the project will continue providing these treasured keepsakes while introducing specialised Cuddle Wraps – for families to give all-important ‘kangaroo cuddles’ to their babies receiving palliative care. 

Together, these simple but deeply meaningful items help families feel supported, create lasting memories and complement compassionate, family-centred care during times of immense uncertainty and grief. 

For families with a critically ill newborn, every transfer can be filled with fear, uncertainty and overwhelming emotion. 

Whether a baby is travelling to a tertiary hospital for life-saving treatment, returning to hospitals closer to home after weeks in intensive care or being transported for end-of-life care, these moments often become lifelong memories for parents. 

Clinical care is only part of what families need. 

The NeoBuddy soft toy has already shown how a small gesture can provide enormous comfort. Given to families as their baby's journey begins, it has become a treasured reminder of the care, compassion and support they received during one of the most challenging times in their lives. 

This initiative extends that same philosophy to families facing the unimaginable loss of a baby. During palliative transfers, specially designed Cuddle Wraps allow parents to safely hold their baby, secured to their chest, throughout the journey, creating precious moments of closeness that might not otherwise be possible. After the transfer, the wrap is gifted to the family as a lasting keepsake.

The long-term goal is to ensure every family cared for by NeoRESQ and NeoReturn experiences not only exceptional clinical care, but also compassion, dignity and meaningful support that honours their baby's journey and creates memories they can hold on to forever.