Positioning and Care
Proper positioning of the infant is critical to optimize the supplemental oxygen. Infants can be managed in either prone or supine position, as long as proper monitoring is ensured. Prone positioning has been shown to improve oxygenation. Infants managed in an oxygen hood should be positioned with the head fully under the hood, with adequate padding to prevent injury from the hood and to limit dilution of the oxygen. When maintained in a flooded incubator, the infant is free to move around without altering the oxygen content. These infants should also be “nested” properly. Nesting can calm the infant, limiting movement away from the supplemental oxygen source and reducing oxygen needs.