The RealCare Baby program, utilizing infant simulators, has a global reach, impacting young lives across 90 countries. Its effectiveness is continually evaluated through customer feedback and research studies, such as the notable “Doll Project” conducted by Aarhus University in Denmark. This two-year study in Greenland explored the impact of RealCare Baby on students’ family and sex education. Participants engaged in a 2- to 3-day program involving baby care simulation, followed by reflection on their choices concerning family and health. Extensive surveys with students and parents revealed compelling results, highlighting several key benefits of the RealCare Baby program.
One of the primary benefits is that the RealCare Baby program fosters enhanced awareness of parenthood. The vast majority of students who participated in the program and related family and sex education began to think differently about having children. They started to reflect more carefully on the multifaceted nature of parenthood, moving beyond simplistic or idealized views. Many participants realized the significant impact a baby could have on their lives “here and now,” understanding potential negative effects more acutely than before the experience.
Crucially, the program provides a realistic perspective on parenthood without deterring students from future family aspirations. While fewer students felt that having a child now would be “absolutely devastating,” a significantly larger number became aware of the genuine negative consequences, particularly concerning limitations on life and educational opportunities. This indicates that the RealCare Baby experience promotes awareness and informed decision-making rather than simply discouraging parenthood altogether. It empowers young people to approach the idea of family planning with greater maturity.
Furthermore, the RealCare Baby program leads to a positive shift in attitudes and values. Student responses after the program were significantly more diverse than before, suggesting a profound impact on their attitudes and values related to family and sex education. This diversification implies that the program encourages critical thinking and personal reflection, allowing students to develop more nuanced and individualized perspectives on these important life aspects.
Perhaps one of the most impactful benefits is the program’s influence on increased motivation for contraception. A significant outcome of both the RealCare Baby simulation and the accompanying family and sex education was that students became considerably more motivated to use contraception. Almost no students who previously engaged in unprotected sex indicated they would continue this practice. This highlights the program’s success in intensifying students’ awareness of contraception and promoting safer sexual health practices.
In conclusion, the RealCare Baby program offers a multitude of benefits, primarily centered around fostering a deeper understanding of parenthood, promoting responsible decision-making, and encouraging safer sexual health practices. As study author Karen Wistoft from the University of Greenland notes, the program effectively changes teenagers’ perceptions of pregnancy and parenting, demonstrably impacting attitudes and behaviors in geographically diverse and social contexts. The RealCare Baby program stands as a valuable tool in sex education, empowering young people with the knowledge and awareness necessary to make informed choices about their future.
