As a new parent, one of your top priorities is ensuring the health and well-being of your newborn. One tool that can help you do this is a pulse oximeter. This non-invasive device measures the oxygen saturation levels in your baby’s blood, allowing you to monitor their respiratory function.
However, to get accurate readings, knowing where to place the pulse oximeter on your newborn is crucial. This may seem daunting, but with the proper guidance and information, you can ensure that your baby’s pulse oximeter is placed correctly, giving you peace of mind and a better understanding of your baby’s health.
Finding the Right Spot: Where To Place Pulse Oximeter On Newborn
A pulse oximeter is a medical device used to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood. This is especially important for newborns, as they are more susceptible to breathing problems and oxygen deprivation.
However, placing a pulse oximeter on a baby can be tricky and requires proper positioning to ensure accurate readings. In this article, we will discuss where to place a pulse oximeter on a newborn for the best results.
Hand or Foot
The most common place to put a pulse oximeter on a newborn is on their hand or foot. This is because the pulse oximeter works by emitting a light that passes through the skin and measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. The hand or foot is the thinnest part of a baby’s body, making it easier for the light to pass through and obtain an accurate reading.
When placing the pulse oximeter on the hand or foot, it’s important to ensure that the device is snug but not too tight. The sensor should be placed on the skin and not over clothing or a diaper. If the device is too loose, it may fall off or provide inaccurate readings.
Earlobe
Another place to put a pulse oximeter on a newborn is the earlobe. This is a good option for babies who are moving around a lot and may kick off a device attached to their hand or foot. The earlobe is also thin and allows the light to pass through easily.
Also Read : How To Put Pulse Oximeter On Baby Foot: Keeping Your Little One Safe
When placing the pulse oximeter on the earlobe, make sure it’s not too tight or pinching the skin. The sensor should be placed on the fleshy part of the earlobe and not the cartilage. It’s also important to keep the sensor clean and dry to avoid any interference with the reading.
Forehead
Some pulse oximeters come with a forehead sensor that can be used on newborns. This is a good option for babies who have small hands or feet or if the device falls off frequently. The forehead sensor works by emitting light through the skin on the forehead and measuring the oxygen level in the blood.
When placing the forehead sensor on a newborn, make sure it’s placed in the middle of the forehead and not too tight or too loose. The sensor should be in contact with the skin and not over any hair or clothing. It’s also important to keep the forehead clean and dry to avoid any interference with the reading.
Conclusion
In conclusion, placing a pulse oximeter on a newborn requires proper positioning for accurate readings. The hand or foot, earlobe, and forehead are all good options depending on the baby’s size, movement, and device type.
Regardless of where the sensor is placed, it’s important to ensure it’s snug but not too tight, in contact with the skin, and kept clean and dry. If you have any concerns about the readings or device placement, consult with a healthcare professional.
