Incubator baby side-shows: the history and future of neonatology

The care of infants has a somewhat sordid history, not without its side-show elements, political intrigues, and amazing success. Abandonment of infants and outright infanticide was not uncommon in ancient times. The Roman Church, however, was instrumental in beginning to rescue abandoned infants. Over time, greater recognition was afforded newborns and young children with the advent of dispensaries and hospitals created for the purpose of administering to this population. France was a focal point for the evolution of the modern care of newborns, with development of incubators at the end of the 19th century. Incubator baby side shows as entertainment and evidence of scientific advancement shepherded in the concept of evolving technology in the care of particularly preterm (weakling) infants. However, it is not until the latter half of the 20th century that the technological revolution in the care of newborns took off with the advent of neonatal intensive care units. The limits of viability have now been pushed to as low as 22 weeks' gestation, with anticipation of further technological innovations that may further impact those limits.