Effect of Swaddle Bathing on Neonatal Thermal Stability and Cardio-Respiratory Parameters

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

1 Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

2 Pediatric and Neonatology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University

Abstract

Background: Swaddle bathing is one of the best practice types of bathing that recommended by Association 
of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurse. In this respect, nurses in NICUs play a proactive role in 
ongoing monitoring and stabilization of temperature as well as cardio-respiratory parameters of the neonates.
Objective: to determine the effect of swaddle bathing on neonatal thermal stability and cardio-respiratory 
parameters. Setting: The study was conducted at Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) of the Specialized 
University Hospital at Smouha and El Raml Children's Hospital in Alexandria. Subjects: A convenient sample of 
60 neonates comprised the study subjects. Tools: Two tools were used to collect the data. Tool one: Neonatal 
Biological and Clinical Characteristics Record. Tool two: Neonatal Body Temperature and Cardio-Respiratory 
Parameters Record. Results: The present study revealed that none of the neonates in the study group had low 
body temperature in all study periods. All neonates of the study and the control groups had normal respiratory 
rate along all periods of measurements after bathing. None of the neonates in the study group had low oxygen 
saturation (<95%). None of the neonates in the study group had decreased heart rate (< 120 beat / minute) 
compared to 13.3% of the neonates in the control group. Moreover, none of the neonates in the study group had 
increased heart rate compared to 10% and 6.7% in control group in that order. Conclusion: it was concluded 
that neonates who received swaddle bathing exhibited stable temperature and cardio-respiratory parameters 
more than those who received routine bathing except respiratory rate. Recommendations: In-service training 
program should be provided for nurses in NICUs about swaddle bathing technique that includes preparation, 
duration and how to use positive touch.

Keywords