This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows:

The overall objective is to assess the effectiveness and safety of premedications in reducing stress/pain in neonates undergoing endotracheal intubation.

In separate comparisons we will assess the effectiveness and potential harmful effects of premedications in reducing stress/pain when used in isolation or in combination, as compared to placebo or nothing, or other premedication. The following comparisons are planned:

• Anticholinergics vs Placebo/or nothing

• Analgesics vs Placebo/or nothing

• Anxiolytics vs Placebo/or nothing

• Neuromuscular blocking agents vs Placebo/or nothing

• Anxiolytics vs Analgesics

• Neuromuscular blocking agents vs Anxiolytics

• Anticholinergics vs Anticholinergics and Neuromuscular blocking agents

• A combination of drugs vs placebo/or nothing

• One combination of drugs vs another combination of drugs

We plan sub‐group analyses in the following sub‐groups of neonates

• Preterm (<37 weeks) vs Term (>37 weeks)

• Birth weight <2500 grams vs >2500 grams