BabySaver
The BabySaver - A Low-Cost Newborn Resuscitation Kit
Every year six million babies worldwide need assistance to breathe when they are born. Four million will die before they are one month old.
The BabySaver is a low-cost newborn resuscitation unit which allows specialist support to be delivered at the bedside within the first few minutes of life for a cost of around $50.
The simple unit contains a stethoscope and suction device, and provides a warm and safe place to attend to the baby whilst keeping them close to their mothers and allowing the umbilical cord to remain intact.
Prototypes have been designed and developed by a team based at the University of Liverpool and are currently being tested in Ugandan hospitals.
BabySaver Information for Health Professionals
The BabySaver helps provide resuscitation to newborn babies in the critical ‘golden minute’ after they are born. In line with World Health Organisation guidelines, it allows babies to remain next to their mothers and the umbilical cord to remain intact. This ensures the baby does not miss out on the increased nutrients and oxygen afforded by delayed cord clamping.
It also prevents the trauma that both mother and baby may experience if resuscitation has to be performed in a separate room.
Each unit is labelled with clear instructions on how to perform newborn resuscitation.
No electricity is required as the BabySaver will contain reusable gel pads for keeping the baby warm.
The unit will be low-cost and our aim is for every birthing unit in Uganda to have at least one.
For more information on the BabySaver please contact:
The Sanyu Africa Research Institute (SAfRI)
+256 (0)393280580 or +44 (0)151 7959578
