Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): Why not every measurement method provides certainty

Many baby wearables rely on blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) measurement. While this works well in adult medicine, for example during exercise, it is problematic for newborns.

Although the causes are not fully understood, one thing is certain: Regular monitoring of breathing, temperature and sleeping position can help to identify critical situations early and minimize risks.

Many baby wearables rely on blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂) measurement. While this works well in adult medicine, for example during sports, sleep apnea, or in hospitals, it is problematic for newborns.

Why SpO₂ measurement is often unreliable in babies

Blood oxygen saturation measures how much oxygen is bound to hemoglobin. In adults, this can be done via a finger clip or wrist sensor – but it is considerably more difficult in newborns or infants.
• Movements (e.g., fidgeting, kicking) interfere with the measurement.
• Cold hands/feet affect blood circulation – the sensors measure inaccurately
• The SpO₂ value only drops late, when the apnea has been present for some time.
False alarms unsettle parents – or in the worst case, a real emergency is recognized too late.

Therefore, many neonatologists and pediatricians emphasize that SpO₂ measurement alone is not a reliable indicator of breathing pauses in babies.

MARY by sticklett: The gentle yet reliable alternative

MARY by sticklett 's approach starts precisely where classic measurement methods reach their limits – namely directly at the source: respiration.
The intelligent ladybug sensor is gently attached to the baby's chest and detects:
• the breathing movements in the chest – continuous and highly sensitive
• body temperature , e.g. to identify overheating as a risk factor
• the prone position, also a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome in newborns

and warns of unusually long pauses in breathing, temperature increase, or unusual movement patterns.

Why breathing movements are crucial

Breathing is a centrally controlled reflex, regulated by the brain, that automatically responds to internal signals. In newborns, breathing occurs almost exclusively via the diaphragm muscle, as the intercostal muscles are still weak.

This means that breathing is clearly visible on the chest and abdomen. However, this control is still sensitive and more susceptible to disruptions, especially in babies, which is why gentle, close-to-the-body breathing monitoring provides reassurance if the baby suddenly forgets to breathe.

Apneas in infants – periods of pause in breathing lasting as little as 20 seconds – can be critical. The body reacts with a drop in oxygen levels, which is not immediately reflected in the SpO₂ value. However, observing chest movement allows for the immediate detection of these pauses before the oxygen level drops.

Medical studies and recommendations from professional societies (e.g., AAP – American Academy of Pediatrics) confirm:
"Direct monitoring of respiratory movement is the most sensible method for detecting central apneas in premature and newborn infants in a timely manner."

Pediatricians and sleep specialists therefore explicitly recommend systems that directly record breathing patterns, instead of only observing secondary parameters such as blood oxygen levels.

Conclusion: Security begins with the right technology.
Your baby's breathing is controlled by the brain, but this control can be unstable in the first few months of life. Breathing movements are the most direct and earliest sign that your baby is breathing or not.

Systems like MARY by sticklett , which attach directly to the chest and monitor the temperature, offer a modern and reliable solution.