OBJECTIVE: To make a brief review about mechanical ventilation in Pediatrics.METHODS: Review of the classification of types of mechanical ventilation, characteristics of pression and flow waves and indications for its installation. In a sequential way we discuss the various modes of ventilation (control ventilation, assisted-control ventilation, assisted ventilation, intermittent mandatory ventilation, synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation, pressure-support ventilation) showing some advantages and disadvantages of using these modes. RESULTS: General rules for mechanical ventilation are presented, considering some specific pathologies in Pediatrics (acute respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopleural fistulae, cranial trauma, cardiac failure, neuromuscular pathology, acute asthma and in patients with acute descompensation of a cronic respiratory failure). CONCLUSIONS: Some limitations of mechanical ventilation and the possible advances in a short period are presented.