What are Giraffe beds and incubators primarily used for in the NICU?

Giraffe beds and incubators are primarily designed for providing warmth and thermoregulation to neonates in the NICU. Newborns, especially premature infants, are unable to maintain their body temperature effectively because of their underdeveloped physiological functions. These specialized beds create a controlled environment that helps maintain an optimal temperature, which is crucial for the infant's metabolic processes and overall stability.

Additionally, these systems often feature transparent walls that allow for visibility of the infant, facilitating monitoring while also promoting parental involvement through interaction without compromising the controlled environment. The ability to regulate temperature effectively helps to prevent hypothermia and supports the infant's growth and development in the critical early days of life.