Taking a Child Home with
Nasal Cannula Oxygen
A Guide for Parents
Why does my child need to go home with oxygen?
Some children will need oxygen at home to help them to breathe easier and to gain weight. You should
talk with your baby’s nurses and doctors to make sure you know why your baby needs oxygen. You
should know how much oxygen your baby needs and when to use it. At home your baby will receive
oxygen through a nasal cannula like the one used in the hospital.
How do I keep the nasal cannula in the right position on my baby’s face?
First, place a small piece of skin barrier on each cheek. Then put the nasal cannula in the right
position with the opening at the nose and the tubing coming back across the cheeks. Tape the tubing
to the skin barrier on each cheek. When the tape or skin barrier becomes loose retape it as soon as
possible. Having someone help you with the retaping will make it easier. Check the position of the
cannula every day and retape it if it is not in correct position. Also, you need to check the opening
every day to make sure it is not plugged. We will give you a supply of tape and skin barrier to use at
home. These materials may be bought at drug stores also.
If my baby looks fine when off the oxygen may I stop using it?
No, your baby may not turn blue when off the oxygen but may still need it to keep the brain and
body healthy and to gain weight. You should not change the oxygen settings unless told to do so
by your doctor.
How will I know when my baby does not need the oxygen
or when the oxygen can be lowered?
Your baby will have regular visits with the doctor. During these visits the doctor will do blood and/or
sat monitor tests (like we do here in the hospital) to see what your baby’s oxygen needs are
SDICN0185 • Rev. 8/09
Last reviewed 2/2011
Sometimes experts from the oxygen supply company will do the sat monitor tests at home and send
the results to your doctor. The test results and weight gain patterns will show the doctor when it is
time to lower or stop the oxygen.
Keep the oxygen tanks standing up. Do not use alcohol, Vaseline, or sprays near the baby and
oxygen. Avoid smoking, fire, or sparks near the baby and oxygen.
What do I need to know about the equipment?
What will my baby look like if he/she is having a hard time breathing?
If your baby is having a hard time breathing he/she may breathe faster or harder. You may see that
your baby is tugging in around the ribs. The nailbed color, lips, or skin around the mouth may not be
as pink as usual. You may see the nostrils flaring outward. The baby may look pale or blue and might
be more quiet or fussy than usual.
Your baby may have a harder time breathing when feeding or playing. These activities require more
oxygen. If the baby does start to breathe harder stop the activity. Let the baby rest until their color
becomes normal. Then start the feeding or playtime again.
If you notice that your baby is breathing harder or faster check to make sure that the nasal cannula
opening is pointed upward at the nose. Be sure the opening is clean and not plugged. Check to make
sure the tubing is connected to the oxygen tank and that the tubing is not twisted or kinked. Make
sure that there is oxygen in the tank and that the baby is getting the right amount of oxygen. If your
baby has rested and you have checked all the equipment and your baby is still breathing hard, call
your doctor or nearest emergency room.
Gaseous versus liquid varies by company. The company and RT will instruct on use of the equipment.
Will I be able to leave the house with my baby?
Yes. The oxygen supply company will give you a small oxygen tank which can be pushed on wheels
or carried on your shoulder with a strap. They will tell you how long you can use each small tank. If
your baby still needs oxygen when beginning to crawl you will be given a 50 foot long oxygen tube so
that your baby will be able to move around the house freely.
Will anyone be helping me and my baby at home?
Yes. Several health care workers will visit your home often. They will come at different times, and
will do teaching, problem solving, and skilled care. A respiratory therapist or nurse from the oxygen
supply company will make regular visits. A nurse from the Department of Public Health, as well as a
nurse from a home health agency may also visit.
Haw can I plan for an emergency?
• Watch the CPR video in NICU, and take a community CPR class.
Glossary
• Post the CPR steps on your baby’s crib and practice them on a doll often.
CPR – abbreviation for cardiopulmonary resuscitation emergency actions to help people who have
choked or stopped breathing.
• Call your local emergency room, electric company, telephone company, and fire department and tell
them about your baby’s condition and when he/she will be coming home.
nasal cannula – a soft, small plastic tube that fits around a baby’s head with an opening at the nose.
This tube is attached to an oxygen tank and delivers oxygen for a baby to breathe.
• Post your address and all emergency numbers, including the number of the oxygen supply
company, by your telephone.
oxygenation saturation monitor – used by doctors, hospitals, and oxygen supply companies to
test the level of oxygen in the body; uses a soft, light-probe-taped to the skin; is not a blood test and
does not hurt.
Haw do I get the oxygen to my home?
regulator – a type of monitor that is attached to a tank has gauges which show levels of oxygen in
the tank and amounts being delivered to the baby through the cannula.
Before leaving the hospital a discharge coordinator will let an oxygen supply company know about
your baby’s condition and when he/she will be coming home. The company will then call you and
set up a meeting with you at your home. An expert in home oxygen, usually a nurse or respiratory
therapist, will bring several small and large oxygen tanks and other equipment to this meeting. They
will teach you everything you need to know about this equipment and answer all of your questions.
Make sure to bring one of the small oxygen tanks with you for the ride home when you pick up your
baby from the hospital. The respiratory therapist or nurse will arrange to meet you at home after your
baby is discharged. They will help you set up the oxygen and give you a 24 hour phone number to
call if you have questions or problems.
skin barrier – a thin, gentle, adhesive covering for skin that protects the baby’s skin from tape.
Name of oxygen supply company: __________________________________________________________
Phone number: ____________________________________________________________________________
My baby’s oxygen flow needs to be: ________________________________________________________
What do I have to know about home safety with oxygen?
Oxygen is a fire hazard. It is important to post NO SMOKING signs in any room where there is
oxygen. Keep the oxygen tank and baby’s bed at least five feet away from any heater or fireplace.
Notes: ____________________________________________________________________________________