Newborns with jaundice receive phototherapy to promote the breakdown of bilirubin. In the incubator, and sometimes also in a warming bed, this takes place via the “blue light”. The aim here is to reach the largest possible skin surface with the optimal light intensity. The use of a romper suit, further clothing or swaddling is then not desirable. How can we still offer comfort and security in this case?
Phototherapy swaddle
Newborns who receive phototherapy via the blue light with only a diaper on often appear uncomfortable. An effect that is often visible is also called “swimming”. These newborns are, as it were, looking for security. Newborns who are swaddled are calmer, sleep better and show less stress than newborns who are not swaddled (Sleuwen, B. “Swaddling: A Systematic Review” 2007). The phototherapy swaddle has been developed for the situation in which the largest possible skin surface must be reached with phototherapy light. A phototherapy swaddle that allows phototherapy light to pass through and at the same time offers the child comfort and security.
The phototherapy swaddle is used for a child under a phototherapy lamp, but also for phototherapy light pads on which the child lies. The phototherapy swaddle has an opening to slide or place a light pad in. In this way, the child feels secure and receives the therapy it needs in the meantime.
Caregivers and parents
In addition to the comfort for the newborn itself, caregivers and parents of newborns also react positively when using the phototherapy swaddle. In practice, parents appear to experience less stress because their child also looks calmer and less stressed. A caregiver said from practical experience that the use of the phototherapy swaddle made the care process around the newborn run more smoothly.
A simple tool such as the phototherapy swaddle can therefore be of great added value for newborns under the blue light and also has a positive effect on parents and caregivers.
