Children
Children
We understand that caring for a child using oxygen can be a very worrying period, but please be assured that we take their care very seriously. We hope the following information will help to answer any questions you have.
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 child 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 and showering
If your child has a disability, try and have someone with you to assist you. When bathing or showering your child you may find it easier to use a bath mat.
Hairdryers
Please do not use a hairdryer to dry your child’s hair when oxygen is used. Please turn off oxygen and wait for 20 minutes before using heated appliances.
Using handheld tablets/mobile phones or laptops
Please do not plug in or turn on or off chargers, when using a tablet, mobile phone or laptop whilst using oxygen.
Sleepovers
If you would like your child to stay overnight at somebody else’s home please call Baywater Healthcare on 0800 373580 and we can arrange for your child’s oxygen equipment to be installed and delivered there.
Playing
Play is essential for child development and does not have to stop because of an oxygen supply. Just make sure that:
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- The tubing cannot cause you or your child 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
- Your child cannot wrap the tubing around their neck
If you require tubing changes to support playing with your child please call Baywater Healthcare 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.
School/day/overnight trips
Please discuss any planned trips with your Healthcare Professional and your child’s teacher.
For day trips, please ensure that your child has enough oxygen and that any oxygen equipment is transported in a safe, secure way.
Two weeks before an overnight trip please call our Healthcare Helpline on 0800 373580 to arrange for your child’s oxygen equipment to be delivered.
If your child needs a change to their oxygen equipment to suit the needs of the school/nursery/playgroup please contact your Healthcare Professional.
Coughs and colds
Children on oxygen are more prone to coughs and colds. 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.
Travelling
Ensure you spread the weight of your oxygen cylinders evenly in pushchairs and wheelchairs to reduce 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 child’s oxygen, we will supply a bag that can be used either over the shoulder or as a rucksack on your back.
If your child uses an electric wheelchair please ensure you remove their oxygen cylinders whilst their wheelchair is being charged.
If you and your child are planning respite or holidays please call our Healthcare Helpline 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 child’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 to cover any travel and to last for the duration of the appointment. Allow extra 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.
