Parents often monitor their infant’s well-being at home, and understanding oxygen levels is a common interest. Monitoring an infant’s oxygen saturation can provide reassurance or indicate when professional medical attention might be needed.
Understanding Infant Oxygen Levels
Infant oxygen saturation, often referred to as SpO2, represents the percentage of hemoglobin in red blood cells carrying oxygen. Maintaining adequate oxygen levels is important for an infant’s overall health, as oxygen fuels all bodily functions. Low oxygen levels can strain an infant’s heart and may lead to organ dysfunction.
For healthy infants, a normal oxygen saturation level ranges from 95% to 100%. A saturation level below 95% is considered abnormal. If an infant’s oxygen saturation drops below 90%, it is considered low and requires medical attention. Premature infants might have slightly lower oxygen saturation levels initially due to less developed lungs, but even for them, levels should stay above 90%.
The Role of Pulse Oximeters
Pulse oximeters are devices that non-invasively measure oxygen saturation and heart rate. These small, often clip-like devices attach to a body part and use light sensors to assess the amount of oxygen in the blood. The device emits light that passes through the skin to a detector. The amount of light absorbed helps the oximeter calculate the oxygen saturation level.
The device displays oxygen saturation as a percentage, labeled as SpO2%, and also shows the pulse rate in beats per minute (bpm). While adult pulse oximeters are common, it is important to use infant-specific devices. They are designed with suitable sensors for a baby’s delicate skin and smaller body parts. These devices are often used in medical settings and can be recommended for home monitoring by a physician.
Using a Pulse Oximeter on an Infant
Proper use of an infant pulse oximeter helps ensure accurate readings. Begin by ensuring the infant is calm and has rested for at least five minutes before taking a reading. The area where the sensor will be placed, typically a finger, toe, or foot, should be clean and warm to promote good blood flow. Avoid using the device on fingers or toes with nail polish or artificial nails, as these can interfere with light transmission and affect accuracy.
For newborns, the pulse oximeter may be attached to the palm or foot, as fingers or ears might be too small for the sensor. When placing the probe, ensure the light emitter aligns directly with the detector side. The device should fit snugly but not too tightly to avoid restricting circulation, nor too loosely, which could allow ambient light to interfere with the reading. Keep the infant as still as possible during the measurement, as movement, crying, or shivering can lead to inaccurate or unsteady readings. Allow time for the oximeter to display a steady pulse waveform and a stable oxygen saturation number, which should remain consistent for at least five seconds.
Interpreting Readings and When to Seek Medical Attention
After obtaining a reading, a healthy infant’s SpO2 level should be between 95% and 100%. A reading below 95% indicates an abnormal level, and a reading below 90% is considered too low, requiring further assessment. Pulse oximeters may have a margin of error of 2% to 4%.
Beyond the numerical reading, parents should observe their infant for physical signs of low oxygen, also known as hypoxia, even if the oximeter reading seems acceptable. Signs can include pale or bluish skin, particularly around the lips, eyes, hands, and nail beds, a condition known as cyanosis. Other indicators of respiratory distress include:
- An increased breathing rate
- Nasal flaring (nostrils widening with each breath)
- Chest retractions (the chest pulling in with each breath, especially around the collarbone and ribs)
- Noisy breathing such as grunting or wheezing
Changes in mood, such as increased sleepiness, difficulty waking up, unusual fussiness, or lethargy, along with feeding difficulties, can also suggest low oxygen levels. If an infant shows any of these concerning symptoms, or if the pulse oximeter consistently reads 92% or lower, contact a healthcare provider. For readings at 88% or lower, or if the infant is working very hard to breathe, has bluish lips or face, or seems to be in immediate danger, seek emergency medical attention by calling 911. Home monitoring provides helpful information but does not replace professional medical evaluation.