An infant heel warmer is a disposable device activated through a nontoxic chemical reaction and is commonly used in neonatal care. This device is for single-use, and disposable, and works by increasing capillary circulation in a baby’s heel, facilitating easier blood collection. The product triggers an exothermic reaction that increases temperatures to about 104°F (40°C). Once the baby’s blood circulation improves, caregivers will have an easier time collecting blood samples from the infant.
A warmer provides a safe, fast and convenient way to apply the ideal amount of heat on an infant’s heel when a need arises. They guarantee optimal comfort while minimizing any risks of bruising, infections, and skin damage.
How Are Infant Heel Warmers Activated?
Warmers are activated by squeezing the pouch that contains the gel. The device uses a specially formulated gel to raise the heel to the right temperature. High-quality warmers hit the desired temperatures within minutes without a need for a complex activation procedure.
Benefits of Heel Warmers
The following are the benefits of heel warmers:
Ensures quality healthcare
As mentioned earlier, heel warmers allow caregivers to draw blood safely for effective sampling.
Safe
Heel warmers are made of non-toxic food grade gel and boast uniform heat distribution.
Effective
The device features a customized design to suit the baby’s foot shape to retain the heat where needed.
Reliable
Heel warmers can’t exceed 40.50C/1050F to harm the baby. They are also designed to reduce the temperatures over time.
What Are the Ideal Features of Heel Warmers?
For you to maximize the benefits of heel warmers, they must come with the following features:
- Comfortable design: the right heel warmer should feature a comfortable and ergonomic design that conforms to the baby’s heel while guaranteeing optimal softness and comfort.
- Easy access: it should also feature convenient access to allow the warmer to secure easily on the baby. It should also have a tear-away slip to ease the removal.
- High safety: the baby warmer must be made from non-toxic and certified materials to guarantee the baby’s safety.
What To Keep In Mind When Using Heel Warmers?
Although heel warmers are generally considered safe, instances of adverse reactions have been reported in the past. These incidents are attributed to poor quality products and improper device use. To enhance safety, keep in mind the following things:
- Only use a product that is certified and made from safe and quality materials
- Carefully follow the manufacturer’s manual to ensure proper usage of the device
- Don’t apply the product on broken skin
- Avoid wrapping the warmer in additional heat sources
- Don’t re-use the heel warmers
- Exercise extra caution when using the device on premature babies
Are All Baby Heel Warmers Safe?
Quality baby heel warmers are made of non-toxic substances certified by industry regulators. They are free from any substances that could irritate the baby’s sensitive skin, such as latex and DEHP. Generally, infant warmers are safe, provided they are used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How Long Should a Heel Warmer Be Applied?
You can use the device for 3 to 5 minutes or as directed by the manufacturer. Keep monitoring the application site every 30 seconds to avoid burns, especially when applying the warmer to a premature infant. Don’t wrap the heel warmer with additional heat sources like a warm washcloth.
Rapid Aid Provides Safety and Comfort
Our single-use heel warmers are designed to provide the right amount of warmth to increase blood circulation in an infant’s heel during blood sampling. Made with our patented Insta-Gel technology, our heel warmers provide even heat distribution and consistent warming to help caregivers obtain a quality heel stick the first time.
Visit our website to learn more about our infant heel warmers and other hot and cold therapy products. Request a quote from one of our customer service representatives today.
