Babies
Babies
We take the care of babies using oxygen very seriously. We appreciate that this can be a very anxious period for parents/carers, and we hope the following information will help.
If you have any more questions, please contact us using this form:
Or call our Healthcare Helpline on 0800 373 580.
You can find all this information and more in the Guide to the Home Oxygen Service booklet, that our Healthcare Technician will have left during the installation of oxygen. You can find all this information and more in the Guide to the Home Oxygen Service booklet, that our Healthcare Technician will have left during the installation of oxygen. You can also find a copy of this booklet on the resources page here:
For basic safety advice, please visit our Safety page here:
Smoking/e-cigarettes
You must not smoke or use e-cigarettes whilst using or close to a baby using oxygen, due to the risk of fire. Please inform your family and friends of the risk. Be aware of other people’s smoking habits when entering into public places or venues.
Bathing or showering your baby
When bathing or showering a baby whilst using oxygen try to have someone with you to assist.
Feeding
When feeding your baby please follow the advice of your Healthcare Professional.
Playing
Play is essential for development and does not have to stop because your baby is using oxygen. Just make sure that:
- The tubing cannot cause you or baby to trip and fall
- Any cylinders are secure and not likely to fall or topple
- The tubing cannot get trapped causing a block in the oxygen supply
If you require changes to the oxygen tubing to support playing with your baby please call our Healthcare Helpline on 0800 373580.
Please be aware that some paints, playdough, and other play products may contain oils. It is safest to use oil-free products, or to keep these items away from the oxygen.
Baby massage
Baby massage can help babies to relax and a baby on oxygen can enjoy them too. Do not use creams and lotions. Please speak with your baby’s Health Visitor for guidance about which products can be used to massage your baby. A Pharmacist can also help to guide on what
lotions can safely be used with oxygen.
Travelling
Ensure the weight of your oxygen cylinders is spread evenly in pushchairs and wheelchairs to minimise the risk of them tipping over.
Please do not hang a cylinder on the handles of a pushchair or wheelchair.
If you wish to carry your baby’s cylinder, Baywater Healthcare will provide you with a carry bag, which can be carried either over the shoulder or as a rucksack on your back.
If you and your baby are planning respite or holidays please call our Healthcare Helpline on 0800 373580 with the address, at least two weeks before you plan to go, and we can arrange for your oxygen supplies to be delivered to where you are staying.
If you need a change to your baby’s oxygen equipment to suit the needs of your travel please contact your Healthcare Professional.
Follow up appointments after you have left hospital
Please ensure you take enough oxygen cylinders to cover time for the travel and duration of the appointment. Allow additional oxygen in case of any delays.
Oils, creams and ointments
Baywater Healthcare recommend avoiding the use of creams or emollients when you are using oxygen therapy.
If a cream or emollient is considered necessary, please speak with a Healthcare Professional.
Coughs and colds
Coughs and colds are common. Please clean the tips of the nasal prongs every day and change regularly if required. Please call us on 0800 373580 for additional nasal prongs.
