Incubator Development

Incubators provide an environment for premature infants to continue developing outside of the womb. Further development of immune function and organ systems---such as the respiratory system---often occurs in incubators for these babies.

Fat Development

• Temperature control for premature infants is critical for survival. Severely premature babies are usually born with little to no insulating fat---which usually develops in the later stages of pregnancy---and so are vulnerable to hypothermia. Incubators keep babies warm, which is part of creating the environment they need to continue developing outside of the womb.

Respiratory Development

• At birth, many preterm babies' organ systems are underdeveloped; the more premature the baby, the more underdeveloped their systems are likely to be. Respiratory issues are common and incubators provide an environment in which respiratory support can be administered safely until the baby's own system develops further. Examples of respiratory support administered to preterm infants includes ventilators, oxygen tubes and CPAP---or continued positive airway pressure.

Immune System Development

• Premature babies' immune systems are underdeveloped and so they are vulnerable to infections and diseases that can stall or stop their development or even be fatal. Incubators provide a relatively closed environment that helps ward off these germs.