Things to remember before using infant heel warmer

Infant heel warmer is a chemical heat pack designed to boost the infant’s blood circulation in the sole and heel area. It is frequently used by caregivers to facilitate collection of blood sample with the help of heel stick. Infant heel warmers are considered safe when used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Types of infant heel warmers
An infant heel warmer is a disposable device comprising of a non-toxic substance. An exothermic reaction that occurs when it is activated instantly raises the temperature of the heel area to about 104°F or 40°C. The high temperature lasts only for a few minutes. Gradually the temperature declines and the heel area regains its original temperature.

There is a variety of infant heel warmers. Most of the manufactures sell patented devices. Usually gel based components are used for increasing the temperature. The top quality products usually reach the desired temperature within a minute. No complex procedure is involved in activating the device. It is activated simply by squeezing the pouch containing the gel. By warming the heel and sole for several minutes, the infant heel warmer offers sufficient time for carrying out the heel stick procedure. Good quality infant heel warmers do not contain DEHP, latex and other substances that are considered harmful for the tender skin of the infant.

Things to remember while using infant heel warmer
Although rare, few adverse events following infant heel warmer use has been reported. While investigating the cause of the harmful effects, studies have revealed that improper use of the device is responsible for the reaction. Second to third degree burns are rare side effects that can be easily avoided by following the manufacturer’s instructions while using the device.

Before applying the product, assess the condition of the infant’s skin. A heel warmer should not be applied to skin that is damaged. It should be used only when the skin is intact. Even minor bruises can cause significant problem following application of a heel warming gel. The caregiver should be especially careful while applying the product to the sole or heel area of a premature infant.

Carefully follow the instruction manual while activating the device. Do not activate it near the infant. Keep the device away from the eyes while activating it. Few incidents have been reported when the heel warmer had burst open and its ingredients had splashed in the eyes, resulting in emergency ophthalmic treatment for the caregiver.