Special 'sleeping bags' allow jaundiced babies to be treated at home

A neonatal unit in Glasgow has begun using light-emitting 'sleeping bags' so eligible newborns with jaundice can receive phototherapy at home; by 8 January, 40 babies had been treated at home.

Newborn babies with jaundice are being treated at home using a special "sleeping bag" that emits therapeutic light. The equipment provides phototherapy to infants who meet clinical criteria so they do not need to remain in hospital. The Hospital at Home service was launched by the neonatal unit at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow on 24 November. About six in 10 newborns are affected by neonatal jaundice and often require several days of phototherapy. Key facts: - The sleeping bag emits therapeutic light used for phototherapy. - It is intended for babies who meet established clinical criteria to receive treatment at home. - The Hospital at Home service began on 24 November at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. - Up to 8 January, 40 babies had been treated at home using the sleeping bag. - Neonatal jaundice affects roughly six in 10 newborns and can require multiple days of phototherapy. Summary: The service is intended to let eligible newborns complete phototherapy at home and reduce the need for hospital stays. Undetermined at this time.