The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides life-saving care for premature and critically ill infants. Among the many approaches to support their development and recovery, proper positioning is paramount. One highly effective positioning method is side lying positioning. This practice, when combined with high-quality infant positioning aids, can significantly improve the health and well-being of NICU infants.
What Is Side Lying Positioning?
Side lying positioning involves placing the infant on their side with careful attention to their body alignment. This position is particularly beneficial for hospitalized infants, as it promotes comfort, encourages natural movement, and supports critical developmental processes. Infant positioning aids such as the SnuggleUp and Squishon Gel Pillows provide safe and adjustable support to ensure infants remain in the correct position.
The Benefits of Side Lying Positioning in the NICU
Supports Physiological Stability
Side lying positioning helps stabilize an infant’s breathing, heart rate, and oxygenation. Proper alignment provided by positioning aids like Squishon Gel Pillows minimizes stress on their underdeveloped systems, while Gel-E Donuts prevent head asymmetry issues. Overall, infant positioning aids encourage physiological stability during crucial early stages.
Promotes Neuromuscular Development
Infants in the NICU require special care to promote neuromuscular development. Side lying allows for gentle flexion of the limbs, which enhances muscle tone and prepares infants for future developmental milestones. Our infant positioning aids provide tailored support to optimize this process.
Improves Comfort and Reduces Stress
The snug environment of a well-supported side lying position mimics the womb, helping infants feel safe and secure. This position has been shown to reduce crying, lower cortisol levels, and improve sleep patterns in premature infants. Products like the Better Bendy Bumper offer a soft, customizable solution that mimics the 360-degree containment of the uterine wall, to enhance comfort.
Facilitates Feeding and Digestion
Side lying positioning can aid in feeding, as it aligns the infant’s body for improved swallowing and digestion. This is particularly important for premature infants, who may face challenges with feeding. Proper positioning also helps reduce the risk of reflux, a common issue in the NICU.
Prevents Flat Head Syndrome
Long periods in supine positioning can increase the risk of flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). Incorporating side lying into positioning routines allows pressure to be distributed more evenly across the infant’s head. Positioning aids like Gel-E donuts and the Squishon Gel Pillows are designed to alleviate pressure points and support healthy head shaping.
The Role of Infant Positioning Aids in Side Lying
Proper side lying positioning requires tools that ensure safety, comfort, and flexibility. International Biomedical’s infant positioning aids are engineered to meet the unique needs of NICU infants.
- SnuggleUp: Provides a cozy nest for side lying while promoting flexion and alignment.
- Better Bendy Bumper: Offers customizable containment to secure infants in the desired position.
- Gel-E Donuts: Minimizes pressure points and offers gentle support for an infant’s head.
- Squishon Gel Pillows: Prevents flat head syndrome and asymmetry by comfortably cradling the head and body.
- Squishon Gel Mattress: Cushions the head and body, absorbing vibration during transport to keep infants safe and comfortable while transitioning environments.
These aids are designed with NICU caregivers in mind, offering easy-to-clean surfaces and adjustable features for various medical scenarios.
When to Use Side Lying Positioning in the NICU
Side lying positioning is particularly beneficial in the following scenarios:
- Post-Medical Procedures: Helps stabilize infants after interventions, minimizing stress and supporting recovery.
- Feeding Support: Aligns the body to aid in digestion and prevent reflux.
- Routine Care: Provides a safe and comforting position for daily activities like diaper changes and soothing.
International Biomedical’s positioning aids ensure infants remain secure during these critical moments, enabling caregivers to provide consistent and effective care.
How Side Lying Positioning Improves Long-Term Outcomes
When used as part of a comprehensive care plan, side lying positioning can have a positive impact on an infant’s development. By addressing critical needs like muscle tone, movement, and comfort, side lying supports both short- and long-term health. With the help of infant positioning aids, NICU caregivers can ensure that infants receive the benefits of this essential practice.
Get the Right Infant Positioning Aids from International BioMedical
Side lying positioning aids in the NICU offer numerous benefits for premature and critically ill infants. By promoting physiological stability, supporting neuromuscular development, and enhancing comfort, this practice helps infants thrive during their hospital stay. International Biomedical’s range of infant positioning aids provides the support and flexibility needed to implement side lying effectively and safely.
Whether it’s for feeding, recovery from medical procedures, or routine care, side lying positioning is a cornerstone of developmental care. With the right tools and guidance, NICU caregivers can make a lasting difference in the lives of the infants they care for.Visit our developmental care page for more information on our positioning aids or contact International Biomedical for additional support.