Poppins Enhances Infant Safety with New Sleep Monitoring Technology
In a significant step towards safeguarding infants during nap times, Poppins EduCare, a subsidiary of Poppins Co., Ltd., has initiated the rollout of the innovative "LUCUMI Sleep Check" sensor technology across all 29 certified nursery schools starting June 2025. This groundbreaking move aims to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and further improve the quality of care provided by nursery staff.
Ensuring Safety with Advanced Monitoring
SIDS, a tragic condition where infants unexpectedly die during sleep, has been a critical concern for caregivers. According to a recent report from the Children's Family Agency, 48 infants succumbed to SIDS in the fiscal year 2023, making it the fifth leading cause of infant mortality. In response, Poppins has long emphasized vigilant monitoring during nap times, employing highly attentive caregivers to visually check each child's condition. However, the task of regularly monitoring the infants and documenting their position and breathing in dimly lit rooms had proven to be a psychological strain on staff members.
To address this, Poppins began implementing the LUCUMI Sleep Check technology in select facilities in 2019. The added efficiency and peace of mind provided by these sensors have encouraged the company to expand the program across all its certified nursery schools, enhancing nap oversight and ensuring the well-being of both infants and caregivers alike. This initiative aligns with Poppins’ mission to support working women and deliver the highest standards of educational care.
Introducing LUCUMI Sleep Check
The LUCUMI Sleep Check system is developed by Unifa, Inc., a Tokyo-based tech company specializing in childcare innovations. Using cutting-edge technology, it detects an infant's position during sleep and automatically records this information through a dedicated app. As a leading player in the sector, the LUCUMI product line has surpassed 20,000 installations.
The sensor, attached to the child's clothing, captures their movements, and the accompanying app compiles this data, marking any significant changes or alerts. If the child sleeps face down or remains motionless for extended periods, the system sends notifications to caregivers. This dual monitoring approach—combining traditional visual checks with technological support—aims to heighten the accuracy of nap time supervision.
Improvements have been made to the LUCUMI Sleep Check system, including enhanced durability and extended battery life, ensuring ease of use and safety. These refinements reduce the documentation workload, allowing caregivers to concentrate on their primary responsibilities, ultimately enhancing the quality of care.
Poppins Group and Its Commitment to Care
Founded in 1987, Poppins Group operates with a mission to support working women through excellent educational care and caregiving services. With various offerings such as nursery, customized caregiving, and nanny services, Poppins meets diverse needs.
The group's commitment to corporate social responsibility is commendable, having been the first SDGs-IPO company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2020. They focus on promoting quality education, achieving gender equality, and encouraging economic growth while implementing SDGs in their services and pioneering projects with renowned institutions like Harvard University.
Pioneering Childcare Technology
Unifa, Inc., recognized for its influence in the “Childcare-Tech” sector, aims to solve social challenges related to childcare and parenting. The company has earned various accolades, including the Startup World Cup Champion title and the Women's Tomorrow Award. Poppins, alongside Unifa, continues to strive towards creating safer, more supportive environments for both children and caregivers through innovative technology and unwavering commitment to high-quality care.
By taking proactive measures and leveraging advanced monitoring tools, Poppins is setting a new standard in childcare safety and caregiver support, showcasing its dedication to nurturing a safer and more productive work environment for families.