NICU/Pediatric Tools, Infant Limb Holders, IV Shields

What is a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit?

A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, is a hospital unit that is dedicated to the care of very ill infants, most commonly because they are premature and prone to a variety of health problems. Critically ill infants may also spend time in the NICU until stabilized, at which time they can be moved into a more general nursery, or sent to their new home. During the entire stay in a NICU or a nursery, infants will need an ID bracelet for their protection and proper identification when tests are performed.

When infants are premature, they especially face a variety of unique health problems that do not affect adults. Because premature infants are not fully developed, they may have trouble with breathing, swallowing, or other basic reflexes. Eye protectors are used for infants who have underdeveloped eyes so they can be protected from bright lights and too much stimulation. They are also extremely vulnerable to infections, even common infections which would not normally be harmful to more developed infants.

The NICU environment is specifically designed to take care of the needs of these infants. Most of the time, infants will need an IV for nutrition and fluids; therefore, IV arm boards and IV shields are important to use to keep an IV in place for the health of the infants. In order to receive the proper amount of medicine, a medicine delivery system is helpful to administer an accurate dose from inside a bottle. This eliminates an infant from getting upset from receiving medicine.

While in an NICU, infants are typically kept in enclosed incubators with warming pads. Sometimes, pressure relief overlays are needed to help reduce the chance of ulcer formations on the infant. Babies are attached to an assortment of monitors to keep track of their health and they may also be attached to feeding tubes, ventilators, and other devices to help them survive. Those with ventilators need tracheal ties to keep the tracheal tubes in place. The environment is kept meticulously clean, and access to the NICU is closely controlled. During certain times, parents are usually welcome, and parent/infant contact is recognized in most areas as an important aspect of critical care for infants.

Rehabmart is proud to carry a variety of superior quality NICU products, devices and equipment from esteemed vendors that include ROHO Group, Savi Baby, and Posey.

Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Co-Founder & CEO

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