This document provides information on incubators and the care of infants placed in incubators. It defines an incubator as an environment used to maintain temperature and humidity for high-risk newborns. The main purposes of an incubator are to regulate temperature and humidity, provide oxygenation, allow for observation of sick infants, and isolate newborns from infection. Indications for incubator care include prematurity, low birth weight, hypothermia, sickness, and transportation between locations. The document describes the parts of an incubator and procedures for placing an infant in an incubator and providing ongoing care.

1. CARE OF CHILD IN INCUBATOR

2. INCUBATOR
“Incubare” latin = to lie on
A microenvironment to place newborns
who are at high risk, for maintenance of
temperature and humidity.

3. PURPOSES

Maintenance of thermo neutral ambient
temperature.

Provision of desired humidity and
oxygenation.

Observation of very sick neonates.

Isolation of newborn babies from
infection, unfavorable external

4. INDICATION

Premature babies

Babies with low birth weight (<1500gm)

Hypothermic child (<320C)

Sick children

Also used in case of transportation of babies
from one hospital to another.

Also used to shift babies within the hospital for
various investigations. E.g, CT Scan and MRI.

5. TYPES
1.
Portable
2.
Standard

6. PARTS OF AN INCUBATOR
Hood
/ canopy
Cabinet
Access panel
Mattress
Arm port holes
Bassinet
Latch release







Control panel
Oxygen inlet
Thermostat
Air inlet filter
Access port
Caster lock
Levers

7. DISPLAY

Air temperature

Patient temperature

Control temperature

8. PROCEDURE
1.
2.
Warm and oxygenate the incubator as you
receive the message of expected arrival
of neonate, generally 10-15 minutes earlier.
Check the physician’s order.
3.
Explain the needs of incubator care to the
parents of neonate.
4.
Adjust the incubation parameters and
maintain, follow the chart.
5.
Remove the cloths of the neonate and place
inside the incubator.

9. 6. Provide meticulous care as long neonate
remains inside.
7. Continue care through port hole.
8. Report to the doctor if baby is not
maintaining the temperature, generally
after two abnormal readings.
9. Do not bring the neonate out without
justifiable cause.
10. Document time and condition of the
neonate

11. NURSING CARE OF CHILD

12. THANK YOU