How to Apply a Nasal Cannula to Infants

A nasal cannula is used on infants who are premature or have respiratory issues. The nasal cannula is a plastic tubing loop that wraps around the infant's ears and holds a prong in each nostril while delivering oxygen. Parents of premature infants may have to apply a nasal cannula at home. Use these tips to help the application go smoothly and ease parental anxiety.

Things You'll Need

• Bulb syringe
• Nasal cannula
• Soft gauze
• Warm water
• Water soluble lubricant

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean the infant's nose with a bulb syringe if he has been sick or is stuffy.

• 2

  Place the two prongs on the tubing into the infant's nose so they are fully inserted. Pull the loop on each side around the infant's ears to secure the tubing to the face.

• 3

  Bring the sides of the tube around the ear and under the chin. Slide the loop connector up to a comfortable position under the chin to secure the nasal cannula and to keep the infant from moving it.

• 4

  Place small pieces of gauze under the tubing around the infant's ears if they become irritated.

• 5

  Clean around the infant's nostrils with soft gauze and warm water to remove any build-up and to moisten the area.

• 6

  Apply a water soluble lubricant to the nostril area if it becomes dry or irritated.