The management of chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD) is challenging for the neonatologist. There are few well-powered randomised controlled trials to inform practice and longer-term outcomes of some interventions have only recently been identified (for example the possible association between the use of corticosteroids and neurodevelopmental abnormalities). As a result, many neonatologists rely on empirical management derived from the evidence available. We describe, in this article, our own approach to the management of CLD, and acknowledge that practice may vary between units within the United Kingdom.