How to Avoid Baby Mixups in Hospitals
Although a baby mix-up might seem farfetched, it happens. Current security estimates suggest that one out of every 1,000 newborns becomes involved in an accidental switch, according to the DNA Diagnostics Center website. Because so many routine transfers occur in the hospital, the possibility for mistakes remains a real concern for parents. Hospitals use various methods of tracking babies to reduce the likelihood of a baby mix-up.
Instructions
Inquire about the safeguards in place in your hospital to learn how the hospital prevents mix-ups from occurring. Some hospitals use manual systems that involve personnel checking a number on the infant̵7;s ID bracelet with a number on the parents̵7; ID bracelets to ensure they match. Other hospitals use bracelets with electronic codes that scan automatically to confirm that a baby belongs with specific parents. If the staff person brings the wrong baby, an alarm sounds, according to the Medica website. Examine your baby̵7;s ID bracelet and your own bracelet to ensure the identifying data on both bracelets match. Ensure that your infant̵7;s bracelet fits his leg correctly -- sometimes a bracelet becomes loose and falls off the baby. Keep your baby in your hospital room with you whenever possible. The less time the baby spends in the hospital nursery, the less chance of a mix-up occurring. Send a family member with the baby whenever personnel take her from your hospital room. With a parent, grandparent or other family member observing the baby, mistakes with putting the infant in the wrong bed or confusing one baby with another baby are less likely to happen. Insist that hospital personnel perform the required identification processes every time someone takes your baby from you and returns your baby back to you. Watch the process to ensure that the staff person performs it correctly. Check the baby̵7;s identity at discharge carefully to ensure you're taking your own baby home with you. A system that includes double-checking for accuracy might prevent accidental mix-ups. If more than one staff person ascertains that your baby̵7;s and your ID bracelets match, the incidence of error might be less, according to the Truax Group, a patient safety solutions consulting service.
