An infant incubator is a specialized medical device that provides a controlled, warm environment for newborns born prematurely or struggling to stay warm.
This article will provide an overview of how an infant incubator works, its applications, and factors to consider when choosing the right incubator for your needs. We’ll also answer the question; how long does a baby stay in an incubator? And what happens if the temperature is too high in an incubator?
By the end of this article, you will better understand what an infant incubator is, what to look for, and how to make the right purchase decision.
Table of Contents
What Is an Infant Incubator?
An infant incubator is a medical device designed to provide a controlled environment to house a newborn baby. It keeps a baby’s temperature, humidity, and oxygen levels stable and safe. It is often used when a baby is premature or very sick and needs special care. You have to check oxygen supply.
Other names for an infant incubator include isolette, humidicrib, baby warmer, infant warmer, radiant warmer, and infant thermoregulator.
An infat incubator can be easily confused with a NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), but they perform different functions. The differences between them are:
- An incubator is a device that is used to help maintain an infant’s body temperature and humidity level, while a NICU is a specialized medical facility for newborns who require intensive medical care.
- An incubator is designed to provide a safe and healthy environment for the infant and can be used in the home or hospital, while a NICU is a hospital-based unit staffed with highly trained medical personnel and specialized equipment.
- An incubator monitors indicators such as temperature and humidity, while a NICU also monitors vital signs and provides medical interventions such as medication and respiratory support.
Why Would a Baby Need to Be in an Incubator?
The following conditions would necessitate the use of an incubator for a newborn:
Premature Birth
A premature baby is born before 37 weeks of development in a mother’s womb and is at a greater risk for health complications due to its underdeveloped organs.
Infant incubators provide the specialized care that premature babies need to stabilize vital signs, including temperature, breathing, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. The incubator serves as a safe environment for these infants to grow and develop and gives them the extra level of protection and close monitoring they need since they are so vulnerable after premature birth.
Respiratory Distress
Respiratory distress can occur in newborns and is a serious medical condition that requires prompt and professional attention. In infants, this condition is caused by difficulty in breathing and can be a sign of other underlying health complications.
Using an infant incubator in cases of respiratory distress is essential for supplying time-sensitive and life-saving care. Within an incubator, babies can receive oxygen, have their temperature regulated, and have access to immediate medical treatment that can increase their chances of survival.
Infection
Infection is a serious health risk for infants, leading to difficulty in breathing and other life-threatening conditions. An infant incubator is essential in every neonatal unit for keeping babies comfortable while they heal, restricting airflow, reducing germs entry, and providing easy access for medical staff to monitor the baby’s condition
With access to an infant incubator, it’s possible to help an infant combat infection much more quickly and effectively than with conventional treatments.
How Does an Infant Incubator Work?
An infant incubator consists of an enclosed bassinet, a heating element, and a control unit to monitor and maintain the desired temperature.
To help maintain the temperature, the infant is placed inside a transparent acrylic box or hood. The box is connected to a heating and cooling system, and a fan circulates warm air around the baby’s body to keep it at a steady temperature.
The control unit monitors the air temperature inside the box and adjusts the fan speed and the air temperature to keep the baby at the desired temperature. The incubator also includes a humidifier to help keep the air moist and prevent the baby’s skin from drying out.
How Long Does a Baby Stay in an Incubator?
The time a baby spends in an incubator depends on the individual case and the baby’s medical condition. Generally, a baby may stay in an incubator for a few days or weeks while they receive treatment. Sometimes, a baby may need to remain in an incubator for months.
What Happens if Temperature Is Too High in an Incubator?
If the temperature in an infant incubator is too high, it can cause the infant to overheat. This can lead to serious health issues, such as dehydration, organ failure, and even death. To prevent this, incubators are equipped with temperature and humidity sensors to ensure the temperature stays within a safe range. If the temperature does become too high, an alarm will sound as a warning.
What to Consider When Buying Infant Incubators
Here are some things to consider when purchasing an infant incubator:
- Safety: Look for an infant incubator certified safe by the relevant regulatory bodies.
- Quality: Choose an incubator made of high-quality materials that are easy to use.
- Size and Weight: Ensure the incubator is the right size for your baby and can be moved and stored easily.
- Temperature Control: Look for an incubator that offers precise temperature control and a way to monitor the temperature.
- Humidity Control: Choose an incubator that monitors and controls the humidity level.
- Oxygen Levels: Check for an incubator with the ability to monitor and control oxygen levels for the baby.
- Lighting: Look for an incubator with adjustable lighting to help regulate the infant’s sleep cycle.
- Noise: Choose an incubator designed to minimize noise and has a sound-absorbing lining.
- Cost: Consider the cost of the incubator and ensure it is within your budget.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, the decision to buy an infant incubator is a big one and requires considerable planning. Educating yourself on the purpose and application of an infant incubator can help set you up for success as a provider of life-saving care.
With this knowledge, you can ensure your facility is outfitted with everything you need to provide the highest quality of service to those needing it most.
