Infant Positioning Strategies

Cancellation Policy:  Cancellation Fee will apply 

Course description:

Since the launch of the Back to Sleep campaign in 1994, there has been a drastic shift in the way we care for infants. Itis difficult to radically change one aspect of infant care without influencing other areas. We continue to see this effect with the rise of certain infant diagnoses in pediatric clinical practice. Clinicians routinely face the same questions from parents and caregivers seeking advice on "what is best for my baby?", fielding questions on SIDS and safe sleeping practices. Infant Positioning Strategies is a comprehensive continuing education course that navigates the maze of information to give clinicians the confidence and skills to effectively address them, improve outcomes, and teach parents how to keep their infants safe. What you know could save a baby's life!

In this interactive course, we will take a deep dive into the information on safe sleeping practices, the leading theories on sudden infant death and highlight recommendations that will safeguard babies from preventable situations that endanger them. Participants will glean a wealth of information about evaluating and treating the now common diagnoses of torticollis, plagiocephaly, and other developmental delays in relation to the consequence of the back sleeping practice. Hands-on evaluation and advanced treatment techniques will be demonstrated in an interactive format. The topics of related reflex integration and sensory processing as it correlates to exclusive supine positioning will also be discussed. Participants will walk away from this course with a wealth of tools and knowledge to use immediately in the clinic.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Application of the NIH Safe Sleep recommendations and the practice of back sleeping to achieve a safe sleep environment
• Evaluating warning signs of torticollis, plagiocephaly, and other common developmental delays
• Hands-on labs for manual torticollis techniques, plagiocephaly positioning, home exercise programs with caregiver carryover
• Assessment and treatment tools specific to improving feeding, sensory processing, reflex integration, and motor development
• Best practices for ergonomic body position techniques while using car seats and other baby apparatuses

Instructor:

Stephanie Johnson, PT, CKTP, CEO is a 1998 graduate of the University of South Alabama with a bachelor's in physical therapy. She became the owner of Compass Physical Therapy, Inc. in March 2013 after serving as the Chief Financial Officer since 2005. Stephanie has been a continuing education instructor and public speaker in the pediatric field with engagements including classroom instruction at the college level, keynote speaking at national conferences as well as local parent informational meetings since 2010. She is the published author of The Truth About Tummy Time: A Parent's Guide to SIDS, The Back to Sleep Program, Car Seats and More 2011, and The Truth About Tummy Time Updated Edition: A Parent's Guide to SIDS, Safe Sleeping Practices, Promoting Development and More 2021.

DISCLOSURES

FINANCIAL: Stephanie Johnson is compensated by Summit as an instructor.

NONFINANCIAL: Stephanie Johnson has no nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Objectives:

1. Differentiate infant typical vs atypical development along with most common clinical diagnoses.
2. Interpret the full scope of NIH safe sleep recommendations and risk factors of sudden infant deathsyndrome.
3. Demonstrate proper assessment for torticollis, plagiocephaly, and other developmental delays.
4. Relate how sensory processing and reflex integration correlate with lack of prone positioning.
5. Apply effective treatment techniques for torticollis and plagiocephaly.
6. Implement best practices for the use of car seats and other infant apparatuses.

Outline:

1. Physiology and Development
   1. Developmental progression
   2. Head control
   3. Milestones timetable
   4. Reflexes and reactions
2. SIDS and Sleep Positioning
   1. Back to sleep and SIDS
   2. Leading theories
   3. Pregnancy and antidepressants
   4. Screening
   5. Prone positioning
3. Assessment of Torticollis, Plagiocephaly, and Other Developmental Delays
   1. Definitions and types
   2. Evaluation tools and techniques
   3. Developmental delay warning signs
   4. Case studies
4. Reflex and Sensory Integration
   1. Consequences of lack of prone positioning
   2. Positioning and motions to support integration
   3. Impact of play
5. Effective Treatment Techniques with Interactive Lab
   1. Manual torticollis techniques
   2. Plagiocephaly positioning
   3. Caregiver instruction/Home exercise programs
   4. Hands-on Lab
6. Best Practices for the Use of Car Seats and Baby Apparatuses
   1. Use and fit
   2. Ergonomic alternatives
   3. Promoting development

*Hands-on lab will be modified for web-based delivery formats into recorded demonstrations

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