Back-to-sleep or tummy time? Positioning of premature infants and its impact

The primary goal of infant positioning in the neonatal unit is to mimic the in utero environment. This article will consider this in relation to musculoskeletal development, cerebral perfusion, sleep promotion and cardiorespiratory stability. The practical application of positioning ideals will also be addressed.

Fiona Allison
Staff Nurse

Surabhi Kumar
Paediatric ST1

Raju Sunderesan
Consultant Neonatologist

Ayrshire Maternity Unit, University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock, Scotland

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Keywords

neurodevelopmental positioning; musculoskeletal development; cerebral perfusion; infant sleep; positioning practices

Key points

Fetal positioning in the womb enables optimal neurological and physical maturation. Ex utero positioning of premature infants should aim to mimic this environment.
Ex utero positioning can influence the short and longer-term developmental outcomes of preterm infants.
Optimal positioning requires an understanding of normal in utero neurodevelopment and recognition of how this may be compromised by premature birth.
Application of positioning principles should be supported with guidelines and positioning tools.

Also published in Infant:

VOLUME 15/ISSUE 1, JANUARY 2019

Nursing student knowledge and compliance with SIDS prevention strategies

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