Postural Drainage: Lower Lobes (Front)

Illustration adapted with permission from the University of Wisconsin Medical School.

Infants: Lay your infant on his or her back with the head and upper body flat. Clap with a cupped hand on the front of the chest in the nipple area and just below it. In order to prevent the chance of reflux, do not tip your infant so that he or she is in a head-down position for postural drainage.

Toddlers and older: Lay your child on his or her back 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 girls with developing breasts, put the heel of your hand under the armpit and clap with the fingers beneath the breast.