DALLAS, Feb. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Huggies, the fastest growing diaper brand in U.S. hospitals, is launching a new diaper for the smallest babies - Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie Diapers. These diapers are made explicitly for babies weighing less than two pounds (900 grams), and specially-designed to protect the delicate skin of premature babies, while promoting healthy growth and development. The new diaper is part of No Baby Unhugged, Huggies promise to ensure babies get the hugs they need to thrive.

Fewer than 1.4 percent of babies born each year fit this category, and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) have lacked a diaper solution specifically designed for this fragile population. Responding to this unmet need, Huggies worked closely with NICU nurses and neonatal therapists to develop the Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie Diaper.

"We're passionate about helping all babies thrive, especially the smallest and most fragile. This Huggies diaper reflects our ongoing commitment to deliver innovative solutions for the NICU," said Eleonora Daireaux, Vice President, Huggies North America. "After hearing of the need for a diaper that meets the special requirements of these babies, our expert teams in skin science, research, product safety and manufacturing were inspired. Knowing every second counts for these babies, the team acted quickly to bring Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie Diapers from concept to launch in hospitals in just six months."

The process to create Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie Diapers included intensive research and design optimization, as well as interviews with nurses and neonatal therapists to ensure the design provided optimal fit for healthy growth and development. The diaper features gentle, specially-sized fasteners and a narrow, absorbent pad to provide a flexible fit so that baby can be comfortably positioned in a fetal tuck, with arms and legs close to the body. The soft, smooth liner and gentle leg gathers offer leakage protection without irritating fragile, underdeveloped skin.

"Good-fitting diapers are important to the healthy growth and development of our smallest patients," said Anjanette Lee, MS, CCC/SLP, NTMTC, an infant development specialist at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas, one of nine Level III and Level IV NICUs that tested the new diaper. "In our experience, we found Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie Diapers conformed to the baby's bottom without gapping or limiting leg movement. The thinner fasteners and less material at the waist provided a good fit for baby while still protecting their fragile skin."

Every Huggies Little Snugglers Nano and Micro Preemie Diaper goes through a rigorous inspection process, including a 40-point hand inspection, and are individually folded and hand-packed with care for these vulnerable babies.

A Growing Portfolio of NICU Products
 Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie Diapers are the latest in a portfolio of products designed for the NICU, including Huggies Little Snugglers Micro Preemie Diapers and Huggies Natural Care Extra Sensitive Wipes, the first and only baby wipe developed specifically for premature baby skin.

No Baby Unhugged Promise
 Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie Diapers are part of No Baby Unhugged, Huggies promise to ensure babies get the hugs they need to thrive, which includes:


    --  NICU products designed for the unique needs of premature babies
    --  Hospital hugger programs that help volunteers provide hugs and support
        for NICU babies when mom and dad can't be there
    --  Longstanding leadership fighting diaper need, including more than 200
        million diapers and wipes donations to help all babies stay clean, dry
        and healthy
    --  On-going clinical research and resources like Every Change Matters(TM):
        A Guide to Developmental Diapering Care, the first review to consider
        diapering within the context of developmental care--including skin care,
        physical development, sensory elements, and bonding

Healthcare professionals can get more information about No Baby Unhugged and Huggies Little Snugglers Nano Preemie Diapers, including ordering information, at huggieshealthcare.com.

About the Huggies Brand
 Huggies believes deeply in the Power of Hugs. That's why every Huggies diaper and wipe is inspired by parents' hugs. For nearly 40 years, Huggies has been helping parents provide love, care and reassurance to help babies thrive. No Baby Unhugged is Huggies promise to ensure babies get the care they need to thrive, including innovative everyday products, growing hospital hugger programs, specially-designed products for the smallest of babies, on-going clinical research and resources, and diaper and wipes donations. Huggies is the fastest growing diaper brand in hospitals and partners with NICU nurses to develop diapers and wipes that meet the specific needs of pre-term infants. For more information on Huggies No Baby Unhugged program visit the "Why Huggies?" page at Huggies.com.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust Kimberly-Clark brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No.1 or No. 2 share position in 80 countries. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's 145-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Terry Balluck
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
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Media.Relations@kcc.com

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SOURCE Huggies