Abstract: Method for imparting compensatory vestibular-proprioceptive stimulation to a premature infant to prevent apnea in which the infant is placed on a waterbed and random oscillations of low amplitude and predetermined frequency are generated in the bed by an oscillator placed under the bed.

Abstract: An infant waterbed for use in an incubator is disclosed that comprises a tray, a flexible mattress that sits in the tray and holds a fluid, such as water, that is capable of supporting an infant, a cover that fits over the top of the tray to separate the infant from the mattress, a frame that surrounds the cover and fits over the edge of the tray to hold the cover in place, and an oscillator that includes a bladder that sits under the mattress and means for inflating and deflating the bladder randomly at a predetermined frequency. Compensatory vestibular-proprioceptive stimulation is imparted to premature infants by placing them on the above described oscillating waterbed.