Question
What are the primary differences between neonatal hydrotherapy and therapeutic bathing?
Answer
The primary differences between neonatal hydrotherapy and therapeutic bathing lie in their purposes and execution. Therapeutic bathing, often referred to as swaddled bathing, primarily aims to clean, handle, and calm the infant without causing physical stress or temperature variations. It involves immersing the swaddled infant in warm water and gently washing each limb while keeping the rest of the body swaddled to maintain warmth and comfort. This process typically lasts between four to eight minutes and is usually conducted by nursing personnel. On the other hand, neonatal hydrotherapy, performed by physical or occupational therapists, focuses on improving physiological functions such as sleep, feeding behaviors, weight gain, and reducing pain. It involves more extensive and controlled movements in a larger tub to maximize the therapeutic benefits of water.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course "Neonatal Hydrotherapy and Therapeutic Bathing in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit," presented by Andrea Salzman, MS, PT.
