Intubation: When a breathing tube is needed

What It Means

Intubation is the placement of a breathing tube into your baby's windpipe (trachea). The tube connects to a ventilator that helps support or control breathing.

Why It's Important

Some babies need extra breathing support after birth, especially if they are very premature or have significant lung disease.

Intubation allows the ventilator to deliver breaths directly into the lungs while giving them time to grow and heal.

What Parents Often Notice

You may see:

• A breathing tube secured with tape

• More monitoring equipment

• Staff checking tube placement frequently

💛 Parent Tip

Seeing a breathing tube can be emotional, but it is a tool to support your baby—not a sign that you've done anything wrong or that your baby won't improve.

Questions You Can Ask

• Why does my baby need a ventilator?

• What signs will tell us they're ready to come off?

• What is today's plan?

Related Terms

Ventilator • CPAP • Surfactant