Systematic Review: What Is the Evidence for the Side-Lying Position for Feeding Preterm Infants?
Advances in Neonatal Care
Park, J., Pados, B. F., et al. (2018).
Advances in Neonatal Care, 18(4), 285-294.
This is a systematic review of experimental or quasi-experimental design studies investigating the effects of feeding in the side-lying position on oral feeding outcomes in preterm infants.
Not stated
Database inception up to January 2018
Experimental and quasi-experimental study designs.
4
The evidence comparing a side-lying feeding position to other positions (i.e., semi-upright, cradle-hold, semi-reclined) was limited and inconsistent. However, because no harmful effects were reported, side-lying could be considered a reasonable option for preterm infants who require assistance with maintaining physiologic stability during feeding.
