The Baby Breathing Monitor is one type of baby monitor that is designed to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS occurs when a newborn baby stops breathing while sleeping. All babies under one year of age can potentially fall victim to SIDS but research has shown that premature babies have a higher risk of experiencing SIDS.
This makes the baby breathing monitor is a must-have especially for parents of premature babies and also as a precautionary measure for those of normal birth. It is also called a baby apnea monitor.
How A Baby Breathing Monitor Works
Operating through the use of a pressure mat placed underneath the baby’s mattress, a baby breathing monitor records your baby’s breath and every movement made. It’s great to know that a baby breathing monitor is a passive device – your baby wouldn’t even know it’s there. The pressure pad registers a minute change every time your baby moves or takes a breath. This minute change is usually accompanied with a LED indicator light. It is only when there is no breathing or movement for a specified length of time, usually around 20 seconds or so, that it acts. The baby breathing monitor will sound an alarm to alert you if there is a problem and, ideally, startling the baby into breathing again.
Audio Vs. Video Vs. Baby Breathing Monitor
While audio and video baby monitors can be valuable tools in knowing when your baby is awake or upset, if your baby is at high risk for SIDS, it is very important that you consider the use of a baby breathing monitor in order to ensure his or her good health.
Disadvantages of Baby Breathing Monitors
Unfortunately, many baby breathing monitors give frequent false alarms. Frequent unnecessary trips to the hospital are the last thing you want if you’re already sleep deprived. If you feel a baby breathing monitor would help to put your mind at ease, talk to your doctor about how best to use it, and about how to resuscitate your child if your child does stop breathing.
One additional thing to bear in mind when using a baby breathing monitor is the fact that newborn babies do what’s called periodic breathing. They breathe progressively more quickly and deeply, then more slowly and shallowly, then pause for up to 15 seconds, and then start up again with progressively deeper breaths. This is perfectly normal and will evolve into a more mature pattern of breathing, with occasional sighs, in the first few months of life.
SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
It may calm some of your fears to know that the chances of SIDS occurring is rare, afflicting fewer than 1 in 1,000 infants. What’s more, 90 percent of SIDS cases happen before age 6 months, and the risk virtually disappears when a baby reaches his first birthday.
While no one knows exactly what causes SIDS, thankfully, the incidence of SIDS has dropped dramatically in recent years as more risk factors are identified and more parents learn to avoid them.
There are many things to consider in preventing the development of SIDS in your infant. Some of them are as follows:
1.Lay your child to sleep on his back.
2.Do not put unnecessary items in the crib.
3.Keep the room at the right temperature and not too hot nor too cold.
4.Ensure that you avoid exposing him to tobacco smoke.
5.Consider buying a baby breathing monitor to keep track of your baby’s health.
As often as you feel you need to. And if you feel compelled to check your baby’s breathing all the time, you’re not alone. There’s no need to worry or feel panic-stricken every time she put her son to bed during his first months of life with the trusty little machine informing you of mishaps.
Recommended Models
Angelcare Baby Movement and Sound Monitor
The Angelcare Baby Breathing Monitor not only allows you to listen for your baby but also monitors your baby’s movements via a sensor pad placed under your baby. This can alert you to a no movement felt if baby were to stop breathing. This unit acts as a sound monitor up to 200 feet with 2 channels to prevent interference. The receivers have adjustable volume control and uses sound lights to show baby’s sound with volume turned off, or if the battery is low. Battery backup is used for the receivers.
>>> Read full review of the Angelcare Baby Monitor
Remember to always detect the status of breathing and movement of your baby manually also. A baby breathing monitor can only serve as a complement and an aid to effective babycare.
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