Developmental care: a guide to the latest equipment

Developmental care on a neonatal unit involves equipment and interventions designed to minimise the stress of the loud, bright environment. Interventions may include controlling external stimuli (vestibular, visual, tactile, auditory) and positioning or swaddling of the preterm infant. Developmental care interventions can have positive effects on neural and physiological development. Various interventions may be beneficial in reducing noise and light such as earmuffs or incubator covers. Using positioning aids and a pacifier can provide comfort and promote non-nutritive sucking.