Craniofacial measurements of full‐term neonates

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the craniofacial dimensions of 41 full‐term neonates nursed in the Special Care Baby Unit of Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong, so as to develop a good‐fitting and secure eye‐patch protector for protecting neonatal eyes from the strong light in phototherapy.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 14 craniofacial dimensions were measured using a new, safe and non‐intrusive method with a close‐range photogrammetric system and two dimensions of head circumference and facial arc were measured using manual method with a disposable paper tape in the hospital environment. Birth information of gestation, age, gender, present weight and present length has been recorded. A descriptive statistics was produced based on the measured data. Correlations between each pair of dimensions were investigated and factor analysis was conducted for application on an eye‐patch protector development.

Findings

Head circumference was identified as the most desirable key dimension of a sizing system for an eye‐patch protector. Two head circumferences with the sizes of 310‐349 mm and 350‐389 mm, respectively, could effectively cover all full‐term neonates. Design guidelines were generated according to the measurement of the craniofacial dimensions.

Originality/value

This paper presents the craniofacial dimensions of head, eye, nose and ear parts of full‐term neonates.

Citation

Deng, Y., Yick, K., Kwok, Y. and Wong, S. (2011), "Craniofacial measurements of full‐term neonates", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 23 No. 2/3, pp. 95-106. https://doi.org/10.1108/09556221111107298