The purpose of this study was to compare two methods of maintaining peripheral intravenous devices in neonates: continuous infusion (CI) and intermittent flushing (IF). There was no significant difference in the mean duration of patency between the two groups, but there was a significant difference with respect to reasons for removal or loss of patency. The main reason for removal in the CI group was infiltration or phlebitis, and in the IF group the reason was occlusion.