Postural drainage for children: Lower lobes (front)

Infants: Lay your infant on his or her back with the head and upper body flat. Hold him or her steady with one hand. Repeat gentle clapping with a cupped hand on the front of the chest in the nipple area and just below it on both sides. Keep clapping for 3 to 5 minutes. To prevent the chance of reflux, do not tip your infant so that he or she is in a head-down position.

Toddlers and older: Lay your child on his or her back over a pillow with the head and upper body tipped down at a 30-degree angle. Clap with a cupped hand on the front of the chest in the nipple area and just below it for 3 to 5 minutes on each side. For girls with developing breasts, put the heel of your hand under the armpit and clap with the fingers beneath the breast.

Current as of: November 22, 2021

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

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