Incubator temperature control: effects on the very low birthweight infant.

We studied temperature stability in 22 infants of birthweight less than 1500 g in the first four days of life. Infants were nursed in incubators using either air mode control or skin temperature servo control. Data were collected continuously using a computer linked monitoring system. Skin temperature control resulted in a less stable thermal environment than air mode control. Increased thermal stability in the incubator on air mode control may well be beneficial, particularly to sick, very low birthweight infants.