Everything You Need to Know About Infant Hospital ID Bracelets
You may have seen movies or TV shows where the mother gives birth and then, chaos ensues when two babies are mixed up. While this is a Hollywood dramatization, it's not entirely far-fetched. In real life, hospitals take many precautions to make sure this doesn't happen, one of which is using infant ID bracelets.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about infant hospital ID bracelets, including the different types, why they are important, and what type of information is included on the ID bracelets. First, let's start with some facts about hospital ID bracelets.
Do babies get hospital bracelets?
Yes, babies born in the hospital will receive an ID bracelet. This is for their safety and identification purposes. Even if your baby does not yet have a name, the nursing staff will attach a wristband that identifies the baby as yours. This is an important step in avoiding hospital mixups.
Why are infant hospital bracelets important?
The main reason why infant hospital bracelets are so important is that they help to ensure that the correct baby is getting the correct care. This is especially important in larger hospitals where there are many babies and it can be easy to mix them up. The ID bracelet helps to identify each baby quickly and easily so that the right care can be given to the right baby.
Another reason why infant hospital bracelets are important is because they can help to alert medical staff of any allergies or medical conditions that the baby may have. This information is usually printed on the back of the ID bracelet so that it can be easily seen by anyone who is caring for the baby. It is also a way for you to keep track of your baby if they are in the NICU or another part of the hospital.
What is on a baby's hospital bracelet?
The hospital bracelet has important information about your baby. This includes their full name, date of birth, and any medical conditions they have. The hospital staff uses this information to give your baby the best care possible.
What are the different types of hospital ID bracelets?
The most common type of hospital ID bracelet is the plastic wristband. These are typically made out of durable vinyl and have a snap closure. These wristbands are comfortable for your baby to wear and they are also waterproof. They are easy to put on and take off and can be adjusted to fit any size wrist.
Another type of hospital ID bracelet is the metal bracelet. These are usually made out of stainless steel and have a clasp closure. They are more durable than plastic wristbands but can be less comfortable to wear.
Finally, there are also temporary ID bracelets that are typically made out of paper or Tyvek. These are usually used for newborns or infants who are not yet old enough to wear a permanent bracelet. The information on these bracelets is typically printed on both sides, and they are not meant to be worn for more than a few days.
Why do hospitals put ankle monitors on babies if they have ID bracelets?
The answer is two-fold. First, the bracelet ensures that the right baby goes home with the right parents. Some of these infant protection systems actually allow the nursing staff to quickly scan the babies' tag and check it against the mother band. Second, it provides security in the event that someone should try to remove the baby from the maternity ward or any designated part of the hospital. These systems will set off alarms that notify security personnel within seconds. In the case of the Cuddles Infant Protection System, the soft band actually provides both functions.
As you can see, there are many different types of infant hospital ID bracelets. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks. It is important to choose a hospital with the right type of bracelet for your baby so that they can be comfortable and safe after delivery.