Breathing monitoring

Babies' breathing is very different from that of adults. Newborns have an immature breathing centre in the brain, which can lead to irregular breathing patterns.

MARY by sticklett regularly monitors the breaths through the chest and recognises at an early stage when it could become critical.  It alerts you and shows red lines in the diagram (course of the day)

Fluctuations are particularly frequent in the first 3 to 6 months and are usually harmless. Therefore, monitoring the respiratory rate and blood oxygen usually makes little sense. It is completely normal for babies to breathe faster and then slower in phases (irregular breathing). They stop breathing briefly (up to 10 seconds) before breathing normally again (periodic breathing).

• Duration less than 10 seconds
• No blue colouring of the skin or lips
• Baby starts breathing again on its own

Dangerous pauses in breathing:

• Longer pauses in breathing lasting more than 20 seconds
• Blue lips or bluish skin (cyanosis)
• Weak or absent muscle tone (baby appears limp)
• No coughing, gasping or visible breathing movements

‼ Such symptoms can indicate serious problems such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), an infection or a neurological disorder. In this case, call the emergency number (112) immediately!

• Prolonged pauses in breathing for more than 20 seconds
• No blue lips or bluish skin
• Snoring and paleness
• Daytime tiredness and concentration problems

Such symptoms can often be caused by cigarette smoke or obesity. Enlarged tonsils, adenoids or respiratory diseases can also play a role. An ear, nose and throat specialist can examine the child.

• Talk or touch baby gently.
• Lightly rub the soles of the feet or gently stroke the back
• No violent movements, but try to elicit a reaction.

2. check airway:

• Lay baby on back and gently tilt head back slightly (only minimally as baby's head is heavy).
• Check mouth and nose for foreign bodies - if visible, remove carefully (do not poke around blindly!).

3. mouth-to-mouth-nose resuscitation:

• If the baby is not breathing, start resuscitation immediately!
• Ventilation:
• Place mouth over baby's mouth and nose (for older children only over the mouth).
• Give 2 gentle breaths (each breath should last approx. 1 second until the chest rises).

• 30 -times gentle chest compressions (with two fingers in the centre of the chest, pressing about 1.5-2 cm deep).
• Then give 2 ventilations.
• Continue this rhythm (30:2) until professional help arrives.

• Lie on your back when sleeping without padding to keep the head and neck area stretched (no stomach sleeping in the first few months)
• No overheating (no blankets that are too warm or too much clothing) - Check body temperature regularly
• Non-smoking environment
• Breastfeeding & sufficient fluid intake