A positioning seat for the neonate and infant with high tone.

Positioning and seating are important for premature and young infants with tonal problems. Positioning with pillows and sandbags, the use of special handling techniques (Bobath's neural developmental treatment), as well as other specialized approaches, have not proved satisfactory in reducing tone or spasticity in these infants. We developed an adaptive seat designed to reduce extensor tone through proper positioning. This seat has also been helpful in diminishing agitation. Without these benefits, infants are often immobilized in extension and cannot actively explore their environments. Diminution in agitation has also been important in increasing interaction with nurses.