Neonatal incubator, London, England, c. 1955

Neonatal incubator by Oxygenaire Limited, London, England, c. 1955.

During the 1950s, specialised baby care units were established by paediatricians. They provided maximum support for premature or sick babies. This isolated them from infection and allowed specialised care. Incubators such as this provided a controlled environment into which a premature baby was placed to monitor its progress and increase its chance of survival. Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels could be measured and adjusted, food administered and the temperature controlled.