Define "neonate"

[BEorP]

We're learning neonatal resus right now, but there it some debate as to what exactly a "neonate" is (as in when it becomes an "infant"). Can you please tell me what you consider a neonate v. infant and provide a source for this?

[Quicksilver]

NEONATE (adjective NEONATAL): a newborn, especially within the first four weeks after birth.

Neonate:

An infant aged 1 month or less.

An infant or baby is an extremely young person. The term "infant" derives from the Latin word in-fans, meaning "unable to speak." There is no exact definition for infancy. Quite often babies are called infants until they reach the age of one. However, babies are traditionally called "toddlers" when they start to walk whether or not they have reached their first birthday. Daycares with an "infant room" providing care will call all their children in the infant room "infants" even if they are older than a year and/or walking; they will sometimes use the term "walking infant". Babies at this stage are referred to as "wobblers".

"Infant" is also a legal term with the meaning of minor[1]; that is, any child under the age of legal adulthood. A human infant less than a month old is a newborn infant or a neonate[2]. The term "newborn" includes premature infants and postmature infants, as well as full term newborns.

[BEorP]

Thank you for the reply, but I am specifically looking for someone who can quote someone like ILCOR, the AHA, the HSF or some other organization like that.

I have heard both first four weeks and also just the immediate time after birth, usually the initial hospitalization and that's it.

[AZCEP]

Check with the American Academy of Pediatrics

Birth to 24 hours = newborn

24 hours to 28 days = neonate

28 days to 1 year = infant

1 year to onset of adolescence = child

Much of this information is available in the 2005 ECC Guidelines under pediatric resuscitation, but AHA uses the AAP's guidelines.

[Ridryder 911]

Check with the American Academy of Pediatrics

Birth to 24 hours = newborn

24 hours to 28 days = neonate

28 days to 1 year = infant

1 year to onset of adolescence = child

Much of this information is available in the 2005 ECC Guidelines under pediatric resuscitation, but AHA uses the AAP's guidelines.

These are the official "guidelines" used for most emergency and intensive services. Do not be confused on "newborn = or synonymous with neonate" the same standards apply and guidelines are the same. For more information I refer you to Neonatal Resuscitation Program (AHA/AAP's) http://www.aap.org/nrp/nrpmain.html and PEPP http://www.peppsite.com/ for more course information for field medics and current literature and standards.

R/r 911

[melangel16]

I've heard that they are neonate until 28 days after DUE DATE - not date of birth. Could be wrong, but every instructor I've ever had have said the same thing.

[VentMedic]

That is the more accurate definition. Outside of the hospital setting, people rarely think about the special needs of 24 week preemies. 37 weeks is considered term. Different protocols may be used for several weeks/months until they become "infants".

[Ridryder 911]

The problem is the EDC is usually vague and not always accurate. That is why the accepted guidelines is used from the AAP standards, as well as viability <28 week old.

R/r 911

[FormerEMSLT297]

Just went thru a PEPP refresher,, they said birth to up to and including 28 days old. After that it's an infant.

[VentMedic]

FormerEMSLT297,

For all practical purposes in prehospital, stick with that definition you just studied.

The world of a "neonate" inside the hospital NICU is a whole different "life".

If you want to explore the world of "neonates";

http://neonatal.peds.washington.edu/

http://www.neonatology.org/

Breaks down the gestational/BW categories.

http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic2982.htm

I got my first experience with "neonates" as a young medic over 25 years ago. Essentially I was the muscle for the neonatal transport team; lifting the isolete and carrying the equipment. Later when I became a Respiratory Therapist, I worked FT in the NICU and did NICU/PICU Transports for many years. Fantastic experience!!! Great way to get literally hundreds if not thousands of neonatal/infant intubations to your credit.