Postural drainage for children: Lower lobes (sides)

Infants: Lay your infant on his or her side, on your lap or a bed. Keep the head and upper body as flat as possible. Hold him or her steady with one hand. Repeat gentle clapping with a cupped hand below the armpit. Keep clapping for 3 to 5 minutes. To prevent reflux, do not tip your infant so that he or she is in a head-down position. Turn your child over and repeat on the other side.

Toddlers and older: Lay your child on his or her side over a pillow, with the head and upper body tipped down at a 30-degree angle. Repeat gentle clapping with a cupped hand below the armpit. Clap for 3 to 5 minutes. Turn your child over and repeat on the other side.

Current as of: November 22, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
John Pope MD - Pediatrics

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