Security system to keep newborns safe

For new parents, a baby monitor is a must-have. It can be an extra set of ears and even eyes to help keep tabs on a sleeping baby. Choosing the right monitor could mean the difference between true comfort and a false sense of security.

Consumer Reports tested 10 baby monitors. The models ranged from a basic unit that costs $25 to a more elaborate video setup costing $200. Interference is one of the biggest complaints from parents, so Consumer Reports recommends getting a digital unit. wholesale accessories shop

Battery life is important if you want to unplug your monitor and take it with you. The tests found big differences. The battery charge on the Safety 1st True View video monitor didn't last even 3 hours. But the Sony BabyCall kept going for 28.
Mothers and their newborns belong together, and St. Lucie Medical Center wants to make sure they stay that way.
The hospital in Port St. Lucie just added a new security system to prevent infant mixups and abductions, said hospital spokeswoman Ginger King.
"There was no incident or anything like that, but we just want to put new parents at ease," she said. "We already have security at the front door, and the new system provides us with an extra layer of protection so that parents feel safer."
Hospital officials began looking into the idea of adding security last fall. In mid-December, they purchased the monitoring equipment and tags.
Starting now, newborn infants will wear a soft tamper-proof ankle strap and monitor, called a Hugs tag, that will allow nurses to track the baby's whereabouts on the maternity floor day and night. If someone attempts to remove the strap or the infant is moved to an unauthorized zone, an alarm will sound.
Moms will wear a tag, called the Kisses tag, which is paired electronically with her baby's monitor. If the monitor and tag don't match, an alarm will sound. The mother receives the tag when her baby is born.
Gina Dalessandro, the hospital's director of women's services, said that if anyone attempts to abduct an infant the instantaneous alerting of nurses and the hospital's security staff would help ensure a quick response. Reports that the system provides would document all activity so that police would have evidence about the crime.
The Hugs and Kisses system from Stanley Healthcare Solutions cost $78,947, King said. About 800 babies were born in St. Lucie Medical Center last year, King said.
"This new system gives us an extra safeguard in effect," she said.