Snuza mobile baby movement monitors were developed in response to
parental concern and anxiety over a newborn baby’s propensity towards sleep
apnoea resulting in SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Although this fear is addressed by other movement monitors on the market,
most are the under-mattress type and are not convenient for use away from
the baby’s permanent cot or crib. A Snuza monitor is a small (35g) device
which clips directly onto a baby’s diaper, is cordless and wireless and can
travel with the baby to ensure protection wherever it goes – around the
house, in the room where the parent may be, on holiday, travelling, to
friends, in a carrycot, in a campcot, to granny’s or babysitter’s house, etc. It
may be used in conjunction with an audio/video monitor to relay the alarm
over a further distance.

In addition, an under-mattress monitor cannot be used in the case of cot sleeping
multiples, eg twins in the same cot, as the pad will remain inactive
as long as it can detect ONE of the babies’ movements. This condition is also
present in the case of babies co-sleeping with parents, and both conditions
are addressed by the use of individual Snuza’s for each baby.

The flexible sensor tip, which must be in contact with the baby’s skin at all
times, detects the slightest movement, and as long as it is detecting any
movement at all, Snuza will remain inactive. However, if Snuza does not
detect any movement for a period of 20 seconds, it emits an audible alarm,
alerting the parent or caregiver to act. On the Halo model, this is preceded
by a vibratory stimulus which is activated after a period of 15 seconds of no
movement. Often this vibratory stimulus is enough to reassert the baby’s
breathing (this vibration is similar to the tactile stimulus provided in a
hospital environment, especially with premature babies who are prone to
‘forgetting’ to breathe). However, if another 5 second period passes with no
further movement, the alarm is activated.

Doctors and researchers have identified conditions in which a baby is more
predisposed towards sleep apnoea and thus more at risk from SIDS, as
follows:-
- mothers who smoke during pregnancy
- exposure to smoking during pregnancy or after birth
- siblings of infants who have died in a SIDS incident
- teenage or drug-addicted mothers
- babies with mild upper-respiratory tract infections
- babies who have previously experienced an event where resuscitation
was required
- premature or low-birthweight babies
- twins, triplets and multiples

Researchers internationally advise that babies should sleep on their backs,
and that cot contents be kept to a minimum to avoid the risk of suffocation.
The incidence of SIDS in South Africa is approximately 1.2 babies in 1000 each
year. It can occur any time between the ages of 2 weeks and 12 months, and
occurs most frequently between the ages of 2 and 4 months. Male babies are
1.5 times more likely to be SIDS victims than females.

                                        
Snuza Halo                                                              Snuza Go           



Disclaimer
The Snuza Halo Baby Breathing Monitor is a baby-care (parenting aid), not a medical device. It is intended for use under safe operating conditions and must be used responsibly and in accordance with the detailed instructions appearing on this web-site and in the SNUZA Instruction Manual. Babies with a known predisposition to any breathing abnormality and/or skin allergies/diseases including apnoea should consult their Medical Practitioner before attempting to use the monitor. Customers use this monitor at their own risk. The customer hereby absolves and indemnifies Biosentronics cc, its members, employees, manufacturers and/or agents from all liability for any loss and/or damage of whatever nature including fatal injuries arising in delict or for breach of contract, including but not limited to consequential loss or damage, arising directly or indirectly from the use or manufacture of the monitor and/or latent defects in respect of the monitor. The customer indemnified Biosentronics cc, its members, employees, manufacturers and/or agents from all liability including all expenses for any damage and/or loss suffered as a result of any medical treatment that may arise from the use of the monitor and/or manufacture of the monitor and/or defects of the monitor.

Snuza Mobile Baby Movement SIDS Monitor Operating Tips

* Each rhythmic movement is indicated by a green flash of the movement indicator light.
* If movement is not detected for 15 seconds, the vibrating stimulator will attempt to rouse the baby (**Halo model only) The movement indicator light will flash yellow instead of green if further movement is detected, to indicate that an incident has occurred.
* If no movement is detected after a further 5 seconds, the alarm will be activated.
* The alarm indicator light will flash red and a siren-like alarm will sound.
* After 3 incidents where movement has stopped and the vibration stimulus has roused the baby, on the 4th occurrence, Snuza Halo will immediately commence both vibrating and sounding the alarm.

Snuza Mobile Baby Movement SIDS Monitor Guidelines for use

* Snuza’s baby monitor sensor tip must always be in contact with the skin in baby’s tummy area.
* If this contact is lost, Snuza will sound an alarm.
* To prevent unnecessary false alarms caused by Snuza not touching the skin, please:-
* Use the correct size diaper. Diapers that are too big loosen around the waistband, causing Snuza to lose contact.
* Fold the waistband or top edge of the diaper over to create a double-fold, giving Snuza a firm grip on the diaper.
* Adjust the adhesive tapes so that there is a snug fit around the tummy.
* Make sure that Snuza is firmly and fully clipped onto the folded waistband.
* Make sure that the sensor is in contact with baby’s skin.
* Press the ON switch.
* If you follow these guidelines properly, you can be sure that baby’s every movement is being monitored.