Supportive Developmental Care for Newborns

- Nesting (Positioning the Infant in a Nest)

Definition:
Nesting refers to surrounding the infant with a soft fabric roll to create a secure and supportive environment.

Objective:

Premature infants lack the ability to position themselves as they would in the womb due to their underdeveloped nervous system. Nesting helps simulate the womb-like environment, providing the baby with a sense of security and containment, which promotes stabilization of vital signs and weight gain.

Steps for Nesting:

1. Prepare a clean, square cloth.
2. Roll the edges of the cloth to form a soft cylindrical shape, making the middle section thicker and the ends slightly thinner.
3. Shape the fabric roll into a horseshoe (U-shape).
4. Position the thicker part under the baby’s lower back and wrap the rest of the roll around their body.
5. Place a small towel under the baby’s shoulders for additional support.
6. Adjust the baby’s arms and legs into a flexed position, bringing the limbs close to the midline of the body.

Nesting (Positioning the Infant in a Nest)                                                                

Benefits of Nesting for the Infant

• Helps the infant cope with stress caused by routine painful or uncomfortable procedures, such as heel pricks or blood sample collection.
• Assists in regulating the infant’s neuromuscular reflex response during challenging and painful procedures, such as airway suctioning and chest physiotherapy.