NICU Swings Policies

prmenrs, RN · May 31, 2011

I like swings. It's almost impossible to care for a "chronic" baby like you're describing w/o a swing! We just wiped them down w/disinfectant, put a clean blanket between the swing and the baby. Be sure to use the seat belts and don't set them so fast it looks like a launch pad.

I also prefer the wind up models--I've seen the battery compartments leak. And you're less likely to set it and forget it.

I'm sure there will be other opinions, but that's mine and I'm sticking w/it.

Holding and rocking beats a swing every time--this is where volunteer cuddlers come in real handy.

BabyLady, BSN, RN · May 31, 2011

We use swings and yes, they have cloth bases. They are not specialized for hospital use. We do place a blanket on it, but sometimes, there are accidents and our housekeeping staff cleans them off with hospital grade cleaner.

They are a lifesaver.

umcRN, BSN, RN · May 31, 2011

We don't have any unit swings :-(

We do encourage parents to bring swings/bouncy seats when appropriate for the baby, they usually enjoy getting to bring in things that they may have sitting around from their baby showers unused. We also have private rooms so there is little chance of baby's personal items being lost/stolen.

We've got one little guy right now whose mom got him a stander thing, his feet barely touch the bottom but he seems entertained.

cnzapf · May 31, 2011

My unit does not use swings unless the swing is provided by the parents and only used by the one baby. I think this is a shame because, as you mentioned, with those chronic or NAS babies, they are a life saver! There is talk on the unit about using swings more regularly, but some of the nurses are concerned that the swings may be used inappropriately for babies that would not benefit from the use of the swing.

GrowingBabies · May 31, 2011

We use swings and bouncers, but not made for hospital use but are supplied by the hospital. Send covers through laundry with other "NICU only" things...certain blankets, snugglies, bendy covers, isolette covers, etc. For chronic kids sometimes parents bring in swings (among other toys, play mats, mirrors, etc) as well.

helicoptergal, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2011

We use swings for our chronic babies. Most of our swings are used and are donated by the staff. We always put a blanket or towel as a barrier between the pt and the padding. There has been been some comments made by our OT staff about speed regulation as it interferes in developing state control. However they are invaluable and I wish we had enough.

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Jun 2, 2011

We have a few that we have bought with donated monies and we do have parents that bring them in. We put a blanket and chux in the ones that are shared and we send the liners to laundry once a week. Babies that are in isolation have to have their parents provide one as we had people who would take the ones out of isolation (MRSA) and use it on other kids so ID put a kabash on that. We only use them on low speed.

All swings are wiped done once a shift with the red top anti-microbial wipes or if the kid is isolated for a certain bug, clorox (we do warn the parents about that one as it fades the colors on the swing if they have colored trays,etc).

Couldn't take care of those gut or drug kids without one!

There were ones with bassinets, like 15 years ago when I had my last kiddo, but they were recalled due to it being a risk for dumping baby out. We also like the battery ones. But anything that breaks on it, ie the little battery door cracks or won't close, puts it out of commission and out to the dumpster.

We also love the bouncy seats that are circular...they are perfect for the little ones!

NICURN29 · Jun 6, 2011

We use the portable swings and bouncy seats (example: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3739297) that have removable and machine washable covers. When we have a chronic baby who is there for a while, we "assign" one of these swings or seats to that baby, and we wash the cover as needed. We do our own laundry for things like clothing, positioners, fleeces, wraps, etc., so they just go in that wash.

littleneoRN · Jun 7, 2011

Our hospital has lots of swings since we are a Children's hospital. They are the same ones you buy in a store. We request one when it becomes appropriate for the baby. They go in the baby's room until they're not needed anymore (e.g. discharge). Then they go back to our storeroom. I don't know how they clean them, but I'm sure they do. We have low infection rates, including MRSA. We do try to put a blanket under the patient, but with the buckles, this is not fool-proof. We allow babies with Broviacs, PICCs, trachs (with or without vent), OG/NG, ostomies, etc., but we are careful to secure the lines carefully. Generally speaking, not with umbilical lines, since most kids with them are not appropriate for a swing anyway. Same with art lines, chest tubes.

We have a fair number of term plus kiddos, mainly surgical kids, so swings and vibrating seats are essential for us. :)

JGriffin · Jun 17, 2011

Hi all,

I'm new,but excited about this forum! We just had our boppy's taken in our NICU by risk management and I think our swings are not far behind. We too just remove the covers and we have our own laundry room and use blankets.

There seems to be an issue with what you do in the NICU- you teach the parents to do when they get home. I guess it is not recommended that they use a swing unattended or if the patient is not monitored- when they have been premature. It's the same idea behind car seat tests and having spells. There have been recent sentinel events with swings of former preemies at home, and the hospital can be liable for teaching them to use them.

I see no swings in our future! Makes me very sad.