Positioning: Infant positioning is documented to provide comfort, safety, physiologic stability and support optimal neuromotor development (Sweeney & Gutierrez 2002, Vaivre-Douret et al. 2004, Chizawsky & Scott-Findlay 2005) |
1.Each infant is positioned and handled in flexion, containment and alignment during all caregiving activities |
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2.Infant position is evaluated with every infant interaction and modified to support symmetric development |
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3.Positioning aides are gradually removed and Back to Sleep and Tummy to Play practices are implemented as the infant demonstrates physiologic flexion of the upper body in supine |
Feeding: Feeding will be infant-driven, individualized, nurturing, functional and developmentally appropriate to ensure safety (McCain 2003, Pinelli & Symington 2005, Ludwig & Waitzman 2007) |
1.Non-nutritive sucking is offered with each non-oral feeding contingent on the infant’s state |
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2.Assessment of feeding readiness cues and the quality of the oral feeding is documented with each oral feeding encounter |
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3.Education regarding the benefits of breastmilk is provided and family choice is supported |
Skin-care: Infant skin integrity is assessed, protected and care is documented (Lund et al. 2001, Curley et al. 2003) |
1.Infants are bathed no more frequently than every 3 days |
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2.Skin integrity is assessed using a reliable assessment tool at least once per shift and documented. (Braden Q Scale or similar tool) |
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3.The skin surface is protected during application, utilization and removal of adhesive products |