In the neonatology department of Máxima MC (MMC), an innovation is being implemented that promises a significant improvement in care for premature babies. It concerns the ‘Bambi Belt’ – a wireless band that replaces traditional adhesive electrodes for babies in an incubator, says Bambi Medical in a press release.
The Eindhoven-based medtech startup is a former winner of the Gerard & Anton Awards.
Why you need to know this:
By continuously innovating healthcare, the little patients are better assisted.
Currently, adhesive electrodes are attached to the delicate skin of a premature baby. This not only causes pain and stress for the baby but also stress and discomfort for parents, doctors, and nurses. The Bambi Belt emerges as a promising solution to address this issue.
How it works
The wireless band is attached around the baby’s waist and utilizes advanced sensor technology to accurately measure heart activity and breathing pauses. “In a pilot phase, we have the opportunity to use the Bambi Belt for two babies simultaneously. The initial impression of measuring without adhesive electrodes is positive,” says Heidi van de Mortel, project leader of complex technology and innovation implementations at MMC. “This innovation means more comfort for newborns, no skin irritation, and no disruption of sleep. Babies can move pain- and stress-free with the Bambi Belt, which contributes to positive development.”
Skin-to-skin care
Another tool to reduce stress in parents and children is kangaroo care. During kangaroo care, there is skin-to-skin contact between the baby and a parent. The positive effects of kangaroo care in babies are scientifically proven. During kangaroo care, the traditional use of tubes and cords can be a hindrance. With the Bambi Belt, parents can more easily remove their baby from the incubator and enjoy this essential bonding moment more freely. This illustrates how smart technology contributes to improving parent-child bonding.
The future
Currently, it is still a pilot phase, during which a total of 50 babies will be monitored with the Bambi Belt for 10 days over the next few months. “With this, we want to investigate the added value of the Bambi Belt in healthcare. We know that the Bambi Belt can reliably measure heart activity and breathing pauses. Now, we will test how it works in daily care for healthcare providers and parents,” concludes Van de Mortel.
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