Infant inflight care

Preterm babies born less than 35 weeks gestation are at risk of hypoxia (low blood oxygen levels) inflight. If your baby requires oxygen therapy during the flight home, they will also need oxygen for any other flights until 3 months after their expected due date.

This fact sheet provides information on how to care for your baby and administer oxygen inflight. You will also receive hands on education from our nursing staff prior to discharge.

If you need to fly to Perth for any medical appointments before your baby is 52 weeks corrected (term plus 12 weeks) please contact the Discharge Coordinator to arrange delivery of equipment to your local BOC agent.

Equipment

Combined flowmeter/regulator

This part fits over the cylinder valve to allow delivery of a prescribed amount of oxygen. It has a gauge which shows the amount in the cylinder. The amount will drop as it is used. Full cylinders contain approximately 2200psi. 

Tubing and tape

A set of prongs and tape to secure to your baby’s face. This set should be kept with you from your initial flight home, if your baby required oxygen during the flight.

Travel pack

A backpack which fits in the oxygen cylinder allowing safe transport.

C-Sized regulator assembly

The regulator fits the smallest portable oxygen cylinder (size C). For a leak free system, the pins must be properly aligned with the small rubber seal in place.

Handling of cylinders

• Store cylinders in a well-ventilated room.
• Do not store in direct sunlight.
• Do not position cylinders near naked flames and be aware of proximity to electrical appliances. 
• Keep equipment free from flammable compounds such as grease, oil, lotions or alcohol. 
• Cylinders should be kept on their side. 
• Cylinder valves should remain closed when not in use. 
• When travelling by car, secure the cylinder on the floor, behind the front seat, to prevent it from becoming a dangerous projectile. 

NO SMOKING in the same room or vicinity of oxygen cylinders.

Starting oxygen for your baby

Connecting the regulator 

1. Connect the regulator to the cylinder by placing the toke over the cylinder valve. Align the pins of the regulator to the pin holes on the cylinder and hand tighten the wheel. 
2. Turn the cylinder valve ON (anti-clockwise). The gauge on your regulator will show pressure. (make sure it is a full cylinder at 2200psi)
3. Adjust the flow rate to 250mls/min (1/4) on the regulator for the duration of the flight. 
4. Connect the nasal prongs and secure to your baby’s face with tape.

Disconnecting the regulator

• Remove the nasal prongs. 
• Turn OFF the cylinder valve (clockwise). Do not overtighten.
• Turn flow up to empty the oxygen trapped in the regulator.
• Wait until the pressure gauge goes down to zero (this may take a few minutes).
• Remove regulator from cylinder. 

Oxygen and cylinder supply

An initial order for oxygen will be organised for you. You will be supplied with information regarding your nearest BOC supplier to depot. You are usually required to collect your cylinder and we encourage you to discuss these arrangements directly with the supplier. 

Each time you are required to fly with oxygen, you will need to contact your local PATS clerk and obtain a ‘FITNESS TO FLY’ form. This needs to be completed by your GP after examining your baby. 

Please do not return cylinders to the local hospital as this can cause confusion and delay the return of cylinders to the correct place. It is very important to return all equipment to the BOC agent when no longer required as supplies are limited and monthly rental is expensive. 

 

Disclaimer This publication is for general education and information purposes. Contact a qualified healthcare professional for any medical advice needed.  © State of Western Australia, Child and Adolescent Health Service Produced by: Neonatology Reference: 1211 Last reviewed: 2022

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