3D Print Feeder: Freshman Hope for Premature Infants

It is estimated that around 15 million premature births occur globally each year, making up about 10% of all newborns. Tragically, approximately 1 million of these infants die due to complications related to preterm birth. Many who survive face long-term challenges such as learning disabilities, vision or hearing impairments, and other health issues. As a result, preterm birth has become the leading cause of newborn mortality worldwide, with the majority of cases occurring in developing countries.

3D printed feeder FEEDER

Ravid Koriat Barkan, an industrial design graduate from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem, was deeply moved by the statistics surrounding premature births. Determined to make a difference, she began exploring ways to support these vulnerable babies. Her inspiration came from a conversation with a hospital worker, which led her to focus on the challenges of breast milk collection and feeding in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This insight sparked the creation of the FEEDER — a 3D-printed device designed to simplify and enhance the process of handling breast milk for preterm infants. As part of her graduate research project, Ravid used PolyJet multi-material 3D printing technology from Stratasys to develop the FEEDER prototype. The system consists of a bottle and a syringe, enabling caregivers to deliver breast milk with high precision — a critical factor in the development of premature babies. The bottle allows direct feeding, while its design also supports connection to a feeding tube for more controlled administration.

Initially, Ravid had planned to specialize in fashion design, but she later shifted her focus to industrial design, driven by her desire to create functional, real-world solutions. To refine her concept, she conducted interviews with parents, nurses, and hospital administrators in Israeli NICUs, gaining valuable insights into the needs of both caregivers and infants. The final FEEDER system is composed of 3D-printed parts made from various materials, including transparent VeroClear, soft rubber TangoPlus, and durable opaque materials like VeroCyan and VeroYellow. The design is not only practical but also visually appealing, with color-coded components to aid in usability. The prototype is already very close to the final product, and Ravid hopes it will soon be implemented in NICUs around the world. If this 3D-printed neonatal feeder can bring hope and better care to premature babies, it’s a testament to the power of innovation and thoughtful design. It reminds us that 3D printing has the potential to solve real-world problems when paired with creativity and purpose. With continued investment in design and technology, we can look forward to even more impactful applications of 3D printing in healthcare and beyond.

White-Nano Mist Spraye

White-Nano Mist Sprayer,Oxygen Sprayer,Nono Mist Sprayer,Portable Oxygen Sprayer

Shenzhen Shengkang Electronic Technology Co.,Ltd , https://www.shk-beauty.com