Good advice on how to position your baby

Your baby needs support around them to lie safely and comfortably in the foetal position. Without support, the baby may find it difficult to get back into the foetal position if they have moved, as they do not have the strength to do so yet.

Positioning nest or barrier

Two folded wraps or a blanket will be able to form a nest. The height must be adapted to your baby so that the feet cannot get over the edge. The barrier should lie all the way around your baby so that it supports the head, back, legs, feet and arms. The nest is both important in terms of creating security and strengthening bones, muscles and joints when your baby bumps against the edge of the nest.

Swaddle

Swaddling of various kinds around your baby can help keep your baby in the foetal position, and help it calm down and sleep. If your baby is restless, they need to be wrapped more tightly. The more mature your baby becomes, the more important it is that your baby has more space to be able to move.

Side

Side lying is recommended for your baby when they do not have too much difficulty in breathing. Your baby will often find it easier to stay in the foetal position when lying on their side compared to other positions.

Side position promotes your baby's motor development, as your baby can move more easily as it did in the womb.

Prone

Your baby may need to lie on their stomach if they have more trouble breathing, are very restless and have difficulty calming down and falling asleep, or difficulty digesting their food. To support your baby in the foetal position on its stomach, your baby should be placed on a support such as a small rolled-up cloth whilst lying in the incubator/cot.

The support should be adapted to the width of your baby 's chest, so that your baby's shoulders can lie slightly forward, and so that the back is rounded (it should look like your baby is hugging the support.

Your baby’s arms and legs are bent and gathered close to the body with one hand brought to the face, the feet must be able to reach each other. It is important that your baby's feet do not turn outwards, they should ideally lie straight down or be slightly bent inwards. Your baby 's head should be slightly bent forward.

For many babies, the easiest way to ensure this is to have the support lying from the chest down, and for some babies the head can also be placed on the support. When your baby is lying on their stomach, they find it difficult to change position. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on whether your baby becomes restless. Also, try to support your baby in the right position when lying on their tummy skin-to-skin.

Back

When your baby is approaching discharge or THO, they must get used to lying on their back as recommended by the Danish Health Authority to minimise the risk of SIDS.

Babies who have been lying on their stomachs or sides for a long time need to get used to this new position. Depending on how strong your baby’s muscles are, they may still need help and support to stay contained. Most babies gain control and strength faster in their legs, while their arms may need to be supported around their body for longer.

To ensure the rounding of the back and that the shoulders are slightly forward, you may want to use folded muslin cloths under the shoulder area so that the shoulders are relieved from the surface. This way, your baby can more easily gather their arms in front of their body and bring their hands to their face.

Your baby may still need a nest around them to feel safe and contained, and to help keep their legs and arms close to their body.

If you have any questions, you are very welcome to contact us.