Developmental care: an equipment guide

Developmental care refers to a range of strategies designed to improve care and comfort for infants on the neonatal unit. Developmental care interventions may have positive effects on neural and physiological development and include: reducing noise and light (ear muffs, incubator covers); minimising handling and ensuring easy contact with caregivers (kangaroo care); using positioning aids to assist with muscle development and comfort through containment; and using a dummy to provide comfort and promote non-nutritive sucking.