Method for treatment of infants with developmental delay

Abstract

The invention disclosed herein is a method for treatment of infants at risk for birth-related disabilities. Specifically, this disclosure is directed toward those infants at risk for neuromuscular disabilities caused by premature birth and/or injury during birth. An inflatable collar is affixed around the infant's neck. The infant wearing the aforementioned collar is immersed into a water bath in which the water has been heated to approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The infant's head is supported by the inflated collar to ensure safe breathing. The infant's torso and extremities are suspended in the warm water bath. The infant is permitted to move in the water bath without being restrained by gravity. By the method disclosed herein, infants at risk for neuromuscular disabilities are permitted to exercise their muscles to develop muscle tone and promote neuromuscular coordination.

1 . A method for the treatment of infants at risk of neuromuscular developmental delay comprising steps for:
 attaching an inflated collar around the infant's neck;   immersing the infant in a water bath heated to and maintained at approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit;   allowing the child unrestrained movement in said water bath.   
   
   
       2 . The method for the treatment of infants at risk of neuromuscular developmental delay as defined in  claim 1  wherein said infant is from approximately 1 day-4 years of age. 
   
   
       3 . The method for the treatment of infants at risk of neuromuscular developmental delay as defined in  claim 1  wherein said water bath is composed of an aqueous solution of electrolytes. 
   
   
       4 . A method for treatment of infants at risk of neuromuscular developmental delay comprising steps for:
 attaching a floatable collar around the infant's neck to support the head and neck;   immersing the infant in a liquid bath.   
   
   
       5 . The method for treatment of infants at risk of neuromuscular developmental delay as defined in  claim 4  wherein the liquid bath is heated to and maintained at approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. 
   
   
       6 . The method for treatment of infants at risk of neuromuscular developmental delay as defined in  claim 4  wherein said liquid bath is composed of an aqueous solution of electrolytes. 
   
   
       7 . The method for treatment of infants at risk of neuromuscular developmental delay as defined in  claim 2  wherein said infant is from approximately 1 day-4 years of age.