What size catheter is typically used for infants and young children?

The use of a catheter for infants and young children is typically guided by the size and risks associated with their smaller anatomy. A 5F (French) catheter is considered appropriate for infants and young children because it is small enough to minimize trauma and discomfort while still being effective for venous access or urinary drainage. The French scale measures the outer diameter of the catheter, and a 5F catheter strikes a balance between being sufficiently large to allow for adequate fluid flow and small enough to accommodate the pediatric population safely.

Using a catheter that is too large, such as 8F, 10F, or 12F, can increase the risk of complications such as vessel injury, phlebitis, or other adverse reactions in young patients. Therefore, the 5F catheter is commonly recommended due to its suitability for the delicate vasculature and anatomy of infants and young children.