A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 78
Going home
Home safety
There are a range of things you can
do to keep the home safe for your
baby. This is particularly important
once they transition into the busy
toddler years.
The Royal Children’s Hospital in
Melbourne has a great checklist to
assist you in preparing your home.
Read more at blogs.rch.org.au/
news/2020/04/17/staying-safe-athome/
Breathing and oxygen
It is not uncommon for premature babies, who are strong enough to go
home, to come home with oxygen. They are strong enough to breathe on
their own, and no longer need the intensive care of a hospital, but they still
need a bit of assistance with their breathing.
If your baby needs oxygen at home, your hospital will help you arrange
and organise it all before your baby is discharged. You will need an oxygen
supply and nasal cannulas which is the soft plastic tubing that goes around
your baby’s head and into their nose. The tubing is then connected to an
oxygen tank and provides a steady flow of oxygen for your baby. Do not
hesitate to ask questions about the oxygen and breathing equipment you
take home with your baby.
A home health nurse may visit regularly to check on your
baby and answer your questions. If you live in a cooler
area and are bringing your baby home in winter, you
may be able to request that the maternal health nurse
visits you at home to avoid taking your baby outside.
When your baby is breathing better, your
respiratory specialist or paediatrician may decide to
lower the amount of oxygen your baby receives and
then eventually stop the oxygen completely. Most
babies need oxygen at home for less than six months.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
Oxygen is
flammable. It is
advisable not to keep
the tank in a room with
a burning fire, sparks or
gas stoves. Do not let
anyone smoke near
the tank.
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