In NICU a cannula is a thin plastic tube that is used to deliver oxygen or air directly into a baby's nose, or to give the baby fluids and medicines through a vein.
The types of cannulas used in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) include:
IV cannulas which is a tiny, flexible tube that is inserted into a blood vessel (in the hand, foot or scalp) using a small needle to provide the baby with essential fluids, nutrition, or medications.
The needle is removed right after placement, leaving only the soft plastic tube.
High flow nasal cannulas (HFNC) is a specialized cannula system that delivers warmed and humidified oxygen or air at higher flow rates (measured in liters per minute) through smaller prongs.
The high flow nasal cannulas offer mild respiratory support for babies with breathing trouble.
And nasal cannulas are a small clear tube with two short prongs that rest inside the baby's nostrils.
Nasal cannulas connect to an oxygen source to help infants who can breathe on their own but still require some extra oxygen.
A baby’s stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for oxygen support can range from a few days to several months, depending entirely on why they need oxygen and their overall gestational age.
Typical Timelines of a NICU stay Based on Condition include:
Short-term oxygen (Days to 1–2 weeks): Full-term or late-preterm babies with temporary issues like Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN—wet lung) or a mild infection often need oxygen or CPAP for only a few days before weaning off completely.
Moderate-term oxygen (2–6 weeks): Moderately premature babies or those needing support for underdeveloped lungs usually stay until they can breathe room air stably and coordinate feeding.
Long-term or home oxygen (1–3 months or more): Extremely premature babies (born before 32 weeks) or those with chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia) may need oxygen for many weeks.
Some babies are discharged home on a low-flow nasal cannula if they are otherwise stable and feeding well.
Key Milestones Before the baby can go home from the NICU include:
Before a baby can leave the NICU, the medical team requires them to meet specific safety standards:
Independent breathing: Maintaining healthy oxygen levels in regular room air (unless approved for home oxygen equipment).
Feeding competence: Taking all nutrition by breast or bottle and gaining weight steadily.
Temperature control: Maintaining a normal body temperature in an open crib for at least 24 hours.
Event-free stability: Going several days without dangerous pauses in breathing (apnea) or sudden drops in heart rate or oxygen.