Radiant Infant Heaters: Benefits, Uses & Considerations

A baby is placed under a radiant infant heater, which is designed to keep underweight or sick newborns warm. The radiant heater only provides a small area of local warmth.

Advantages

• The radiant heater enables easy observation and access to the baby. A typical radiant infant heater is equipped with a 400 watt element positioned about 20 inches above the baby, according to the Council of International Neonatal Nurses.

Disadvantages

• A radiant heater should only be used for short periods of time. Otherwise a baby can become dehydrated, overheated or even burned. The heater will keep the baby warm enough only if the room itself is kept above 77 degrees F.

Other Facts

• A radiant heater is considered a temporary way to help keep a baby warm. It provides direct warmth, does not heat the room, and is typically used in areas like the delivery room and intensive care.