Applying Developmentally Supportive Principles to Diapering in the NICU: What We Know

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Developmental pediatrics
• Infant health

Background:

• Developmental care is integral to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
• Standard care activities, like diapering, often lack integrated developmental care measures.
• This gap presents an opportunity to improve infant outcomes through specialized diapering practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and identify opportunities for integrating developmental care measures into diapering routines in the NICU.
• To highlight how individualized developmental care during diapering can benefit hospitalized infants.
• To promote a comprehensive approach to infant care that supports neurodevelopmental potential.

Main Methods:

• This is a general review of existing literature and practices.
• Analysis of current diapering regimens in NICU settings.
• Identification of evidence-based strategies for developmental care application.

Main Results:

• Numerous opportunities exist to enhance diapering care with developmental strategies.
• These strategies can protect and promote infant sleep.
• Improved infant skin health and reduced diapering-related stress are achievable.
• Enhanced family involvement during diapering can be fostered.

Conclusions:

• Integrating developmental care into diapering is feasible and beneficial for NICU infants.
• A developmental approach to diapering supports infant skin health, sleep, and stress reduction.
• This approach provides crucial opportunities for hospitalized infants to reach their neurodevelopmental potential.