See also Apnoea Monitoring on Discharge from NICU

When you are at home

At first you will probably find it stressful having your baby at home on an apnoea monitor. You should soon gain confidence in your skills and in the effectiveness of the monitor. Talk to your Homecare nurse, Well Baby nurse or GP about your concerns.

The first time the alarm sounds you may want to start to stimulate your baby straight away. It is important to stop first and to check if your baby is breathing. It may be a false alarm.

When you go home your baby may be more irritable than normal and their routine may be upset. This often happens after a baby has been in hospital. Normally the baby will settle into their usual routine within a few days.

You need to be aware of the following information:

• Make sure an adult is able to hear the alarm at all times and could get to the baby within 20 seconds
• Sleep baby in the same room as an adult who can answer the alarm
• Do not sleep baby in the same bed with other people. The monitor will not alarm as it will pick up other peoples breathing patterns.
• Keep baby on his/her back when asleep with plenty of space in front of their face
• Make sure your baby’s napkin is loose and below his middle so it does not restrict his stomach breathing movements
• The monitor must be used every time the baby is put down to sleep
• Do not rely on your monitor when travelling in a car as vibrations can be picked up as breath signals
• Test the apnoea monitor daily
• If the monitor is dropped or damaged in any way immediately ring the Home Care nurse or Starship. The monitor will need to be checked carefully.
• Notify the Home care nurse or Starship of any faults with the monitor eg: alarming when the baby is breathing or the light is not flashing.

Keeping your baby healthy

• Complete normal immunisations while your baby is on the apnoea monitor
• Keep regular contact with your Well Baby nurse and GP.
• Take your baby to the doctor if your think she/he is unwell
• Have your baby weighed and measured by your Well Baby nurse
• Do not smoke near your baby. Smoke outside; do not smoke in the car
• Keep people with infections away from your baby
• Avoid long journeys or tiring occasions and mixing with crowds for 6 months

What to do if the alarm sounds

• Check your baby:
  • Is he/she breathing
  • Is her/his chest and stomach moving
  • Is he/she a normal colour
  • Does she/he rouse when picked up

If your baby is not breathing start resuscitation . Call 111.

Even if your baby has stopped breathing but started again your baby must be seen by a doctor immediately. Do not drive your baby to the doctor. Call 111.You need to go by ambulance to the hospital as your baby may stop breathing again. 

If your baby is breathing check the monitor is working correctly.

Return of the monitor

• Your baby will need to be on a monitor for 6 months or as clinically indicated. This will be discussed with you by your Home Care nurse or a consultant from Starship.
• The Home Care Nurse will collect the monitor at the end of the loan period.
• Please notify your Home Care Nurse of your change of address before you move so she can maintain contact with you and your baby.

Important phone numbers

If you need an ambulance dial 111