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Published on: March 19, 2019
Co-bedding versus single-bedding premature multiple-gestation infants in incubators
Jacqueline Fowler Byers1, Wendy Yovaish, Linda B Lowman
1School of Nursing, College of Health and Public Affairs, University of Central Florida, Orlando 32816-2210, USA. jbyers@mail.ucf.edu
Summary
Co-bedding premature multiple-gestation infants in incubators is safe but shows no significant clinical benefits for infants or parents. Further research and policy development are recommended for this developmental care strategy.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Developmental psychology
- Pediatric nursing
Background:
- Premature multiple-gestation infants often require intensive care.
- Current practices involve single-bedding in incubators.
- Co-bedding is explored as a potential developmental care strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare physiological stability and behavioral effects of co-bedding versus single-bedding for premature multiple-gestation infants.
- To assess the psychological effects on parents.
- To evaluate infant sleep-wake synchronicity and stress cues.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized, repeated measure design.
- Convenience sample of infants and parents in co-bedded and control groups.
- Intervention: co-bedding infants in incubators.
Main Results:
- Significant differences observed in infant daily weight, feeding amount, and high-activity heart rate.
- No significant differences in parental state anxiety, maternal attachment, or parental satisfaction scores.
- Higher baseline parental satisfaction scores noted in the co-bedded group.
Conclusions:
- Co-bedding multiple-gestation infants in incubators is safe.
- No significant clinical improvements in infant or parental outcomes were found.
- Co-bedding can be an adjunctive developmental care strategy if parents desire it.
