Objective To investigate the application of delayed sternal closure (DSC) following arterial switch operation for neonates with transposition of great arteries (D-TGA). Methods We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 172 neonates underwent arterial switch operation with transposition of great arteries (D-TGA) between June 1st 2009 and December 31st 2015. These neonates were divided into 2 groups including a DSC group (118 patients with 99 males and 19 females) and a non-DSC group (54 patients with 47 males and 7 females). The outcome of the two groups were compared. Results Preoperative mechanical ventilation(P<0.001), emergency surgery (P=0.023) and extracorporeal circulation time (P<0.001) were the risk factors for delayed sternal closure. The incidence of complications of median sternotomy incision in the DSC group was not higher than that in the non-DSC group. The mortality rate in the DSC group was markedly higher than that in the non-DSC group (P<0.001). However, DSC was not a risk factor for the death of the neonates. Conclusion Delayed sternal closure does not increase the incidence of complications of the median sternotomy incision, nor is it a risk factor for the death of the neonates. Reasonable application of delayed sternal closure is helpful for early postoperative recovery of the neonates.