top of page

Oxygen Support 

Managing after hospital discharge

The idea of bringing your baby home on supplemental oxygen can be extremely daunting, however for most parents the benefits of returning home far outweighs the fears

It is not uncommon for premature and/or low-birth-weight babies to require supplemental oxygen support due to conditions such as Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (chronic lung disease that typically affects premature newborns), underdeveloped lungs, apnea (temporary cessation in breathing), airway problems, etc (Ejiawoko et al., 2019).

​

​

​

Specific & individualized information to obtain from your infant's healthcare provider:​

  • Oxygen flow in liters per minute (LPM) 

  • Safe oxygen saturation range ​

  • Protocol for weaning off oxygen (if there is one)

  • Protocol if they aren't able to maintain safe oxygen saturation range 

  • Safety precautions when using oxygen equipment in and outside of the home 

  • How and when you need to order more oxygen

  • How to change and how often to change tubing and nasal prongs 

  • Bathing techniques to manage tubing

  • How to manage oxygen equipment outside of the home 

    • Getting in and out of the carseat/stroller ​

    • Spare portable oxygen tank 

    • Backup supplies (scissors, tubing, sensors, etc.) that you must have on hand 

  • When it is appropriate to administer CPR!​

Signs of oxygen desaturation:

  • rapid breathing rate

  • increased heart rate 

  • pale, gray, or bluish skin, lips, mouth, or nail-beds 

  • grunting during exhalation 

  • sweating 

  • wheezing 

OXYGEN WARNINGS!

  • Keep at least 12 feet away from candles, gas stove, or anything that may cause a spark

  • DO NOT ALLOW SMOKING in your home or near infant/ oxygen equipment 

  • Avoid using anything flammable near oxygen (aerosol cans, hairspray, air fresheners, etc.)

  • Always plug equipment into a grounded outlet (avoid extension cords or power boards)

  • Ensure equipment is clean and free of lint/dust 

  • Place concentrator away from walls/curtains and in a well ventilated area (it may become very hot

If your infant is showing signs of respiratory distress consult with your healthcare provider or dial 911 for emergencies. 

The information contained in this website should not be used as a substitute for the medical care or advice from your pediatrician. Your pediatrician may have specific recommendations based on your child's individual circumstances. 

References

Ejiawoko, A., Lee, H., Lu, T., & Lagatta, J. (2019). Home oxygen use for preterm infants with brochopulmonary dysplasia in california. The Journal of Pediatrics, 210, 55-62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.peds.2019.03.021

​

Healthwise Staff. (2017). Caring for your baby's nasal cannula. Cigna. Retrieved from https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/health-wellness/hw/medical-topics/caring-for-your-babys-nasal-cannula-ut1104

​

Medline Plus. (2018). Oxygen therapy in infants. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007242.htm

​

Newborn Intensive Care. (2015). When your baby needs oxygen at home. American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/preemie/Pages/When-Baby-Needs-Oxygen-At-Home.aspx

​

Stanford Children's Health. (2019). Signs of Respiratory Distress in Children. Retrieved from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=signs-of-respiratory-distress-in-children-90-P02960

​

bottom of page