Effect of Swaddle Bathing versus Traditional Bathing on Physiological Stability and Comfort level among Neonates

Abstract

Bathing the neonates is one of nursing practices in the neonatal intensive care units that increase manipulation and has an impact on the physiological and behavioural parameters. Aim: Evaluate the effect of swaddle bathing versus traditional bathing on physiological stability and comfort level among neonates. Research design: Quasi experimental research design was utilized in the present study. Sample: The study sample consisted of all available healthy full-term neonates include (90 neonates)45 for the swaddle and 45 for traditional bathing groups. Setting:The study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), at Minia University Hospital for Obstetrics and Paediatrics (MUHOP). Tools: Three tools were used; Tool I: Structured interview questionnaire sheet which was consisted of demographic characteristics of the neonates, Tool II: Physiological parameters recording sheet and Tool III: COMFORT neo scale. Results: The total mean score of discomfort was decreased in the swaddle versus traditional bathing group with a highly statistically significant differences at 10 minutes after bathing. There was stability in the mean score of body temperature in the swaddle versus traditional bathing group while there was an increase in the mean scores of heart rate and respiratory rate for traditional versus swaddle bathing group after bathing with statistically significant differences. Conclusion. Applying swaddle bathing technique is an effective method for improving physiological parameters and decreasing discomfort level for the neonates in NICU. Recommendation: Training program should be conducted in the neonatal intensive care units for nurses about swaddle bathing techniques.

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

“…These findings could be due to swaddle bathing had positive effects on stability of respiratory status and increasing oxygen saturation through stimulating blood circulation which maintain heart rate in normal ranges among neonates in the study group. The finding of the present study was in the same line with the findings of Mohamed and Elashry (2022) who found that the mean score of heart rate was higher in traditional bathing group but in swaddle bathing group was maintained stable immediately and at 10 minutes after bathing.…”

“…Another aspect is due to the technique of each type of bathing, the head was exposed to evaporation for longer period during routine bathing compared to swaddle bathing in which washing the head is latest step. The current findings are supported by Mohamed and Elashry (2022) who found that there was stability in the mean score of body temperature of neonates in the swaddle bathing group compared to traditional bathing group. On the contrary, reported that there were no significant differences between the two groups on thermal stability of neonates.…”