Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
A breathing monitor is purchased by every parent who is concerned about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Under this name is the death of a child, which occurs for unknown reasons, when the child is completely healthy. This problem mainly affects infants between 2 and 12 months of age.
Breathing monitor – what is it?
The breathing monitor is a device used to monitor the breathing of a newborn baby. The tool helps parents in caring for their child, as it watches over their sleep – and you should know that the toddler sleeps most of the day in the first weeks of life. Thanks to the device, it is much easier to prevent the rare phenomenon of cot death, i.e. sudden choking or blockage of the respiratory tract.
The purpose of the device is to monitor the baby’s breathing. If it detects a threat, such as lack of breath, it alerts the parents (usually after about 20 seconds). Many parents are aware that a breathing monitor is just a device and should not be overly relied upon. Nevertheless, it is an extra security that is worth having.
Find out about the most common parasites in children
Breathing Monitors – How Do They Work?
The breathing monitor consists of two parts. The first one is a sensor that is placed under the bed. The sensors are both plate-shaped and flat mat-shaped. They are so sensitive that they register every movement of the baby’s chest. The second element is a receiver that processes the signal emitted by the sensor. When the sensor does not detect the signal after approx. 15-20 seconds, the receiver activates the alarm.
Find out more about baby apnea
The device is very sensitive and it can be easily disturbed. For this reason, no moving toys may stand next to it. Otherwise, they will make the breathing monitor unable to distinguish between the signal emitted by the toy and the child. The device also reacts when the baby’s breathing is weak, e.g. less than 10 times per minute.
Check why it is worth disinfecting children’s toys
Who are breathing monitors made for?
Breathing monitors are designed for children under one year of age. Specialists recommend them to all babies with low birth weight and premature babies. The device will also be useful for little ones with a low Apgar scale. Parents of healthy children also use breathing monitors. In many countries, they are as important part of a layette as even a stroller.
The device should also be placed in a room where a child with a heart defect is sleeping. Moreover, the medical indication for the purchase of the device is even the fact that the pregnant woman was a passive smoker. Of course, if she smoked cigarettes during pregnancy, even more so should she put a breathing monitor in the baby’s room. An indication for purchase is also apnea among family members or in a newborn after delivery.
What to look for when buying a breathing monitor?
There are many models of breathing monitors on the market. Among them there are both basic and more advanced. When buying a given model, first of all, it is worth paying attention to whether the device has the necessary approvals, among others CE (certificate of compliance with EU directives). The presence of the attestation will be a guarantee that the equipment complies with all the requirements of the applicable directives.
Secondly, it is worth checking if your breathing monitor is guaranteed. If the equipment is new, then it should have it – it is best to buy just such a device. People who decide to buy a used breathing monitor should return it to an authorized service center so that the specialists will give the device a new warranty. Thanks to it, parents will be sure that the device will work as it should.
Find out more about your baby’s development
The third criterion for selecting a breathing monitor should be its type. The device should be selected to suit the needs of the child. More mobile kids are advised to buy a more sensitive monitor. It will enable better control of your baby’s breathing. In addition, it is always worth buying the device in proven places, e.g. directly from the manufacturer.
Among the available models, you can choose a desktop or a portable monitor. The first one is placed under the mattress; the other attaches to the baby’s garment or diaper. A stationary monitor is powered by a cable or a battery, but for safety reasons it is better to power the device with batteries. Portable breathing monitors are designed for families who travel frequently.
Find out more about postnatal depression
Breathing Monitors – Apnea Response
When the respiratory monitor sounds the alarm, restore the baby’s breathing immediately. This can be done in different ways. Sometimes it is enough just to shake the baby to catch a deep breath again. If this is not enough, then start CPR and call an ambulance. Before that, you can still make 5 rescue breaths. Every parent should know how to perform CPR on a newborn.
Find out more about First Aid
When the breathing monitor detects your baby’s apnea, your first reaction should be to get your little one active. It can even be a gentle blow on the baby’s mouth or tickle his feet. A more advanced activity may be tilting the baby’s head down and patting her back. If this does not help, be sure to call an ambulance.
Baby breathing monitor – how much does it cost?
The cost of buying an infant breathing monitor is from 300 to 1000 PLN. The price will depend on whether it is new or used equipment. The brand and condition of the equipment will also play an important role. However, it is worth remembering that even buying the best breathing monitor for an infant will not warn you of possible dangers and will not replace the parent. Before using the device, be sure to read the operating instructions.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.