NRP 9th Edition · Airway
Neonatal ETT Size & Depth
Endotracheal tube inner diameter (Table 5-1) and tip-to-gum insertion depth by gestational age (Table 5-3).
Weight
Gestational age
Table 5-1 — ETT & suction catheter
| Weight | GA | ETT (mm ID) | Suction (F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 800 g | 22–25 wk | 2.5* | 5 or 6 |
| 800–1,200 g | 26–28 wk | 2.5 | 6 or 8 |
| 1,201–2,200 g | 29–34 wk | 3.0 | 8 |
| > 2,200 g | > 34 wk | 3.5 | 8 |
*A 2.0-mm ID tube (optional) may be considered for extremely preterm infants.
Table 5-3 — depth by GA (tip-to-gum)
| GA | Depth | Approx. weight |
|---|---|---|
| 23–24 wk | 5.5 cm | — |
| 25–26 wk | 6.0 cm | 700–800 g |
| 27–29 wk | 6.5 cm | 900–1,000 g |
| 30–32 wk | 7.0 cm | 1,100–1,400 g |
| 33–34 wk | 7.5 cm | 1,500–1,800 g |
| 35–37 wk | 8.0 cm | 1,900–2,400 g |
| 38–40 wk | 8.5 cm | 2,500–3,100 g |
| 41–43 wk | 9.0 cm | 3,200–4,200 g |
Recommended ETT
Nasal-tragus length (NTL) method — optional
Confirm placement
Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)
Standard devices: validated for infants weighing 2–5 kg. No instruments or vocal cord visualization required.
Smaller infants: LMAs for infants < 2 kg exist, but the lower weight limit for successful insertion is not established.
Use as rescue airway when face-mask ventilation fails and intubation is unsuccessful or not feasible.
Clinical decision support only. ETT sizing (Table 5-1) and insertion depth (Table 5-3) from NRP 9th Edition (AAP/AHA). Confirm depth by auscultating equal breath sounds; obtain a chest radiograph for final confirmation if the tube remains in place. PediaSuite is not affiliated with the AAP or AHA.