Smart clothing allows wireless monitoring of newborns

Italy-based startup ComfTech has developed a noninvasive wearable monitoring system for tracking continuously newborns' vital signs as they go through the sensitive period of the first two to four hours of life. The project was granted EU support and funding from Horizon 2020.

Named Newmoon, which is short for Smart Garments in Newborns and Babies Monitoring, the system aims to provide continuous quantitative monitoring to complement a nurse's qualitative observation. Alessia Moltani, ComfTech chief executive officer and Newmoon coordinator, however, emphasized that the new system is not meant to replace the conventional medical staff's visual monitoring, rather it serves to support the traditional method with pertinent data, including ECG result and respiration rate. In case of an anomaly, the system immediately sends notification through smartphones or hospital equipment.

The garment's design also allows skin-to-skin contact between mother and child, which has been seen to have a positive effect on the baby's health such as improved immune system, breathing and heart rates, blood sugar levels and temperature stability. Completely wireless, the half romper-type clothing is made of soft cotton with textile sensors embedded in the sleeves. The garment is good only for a single use for hygienic reasons.

The electronic device that gathers the data comes in a soft protective case covered with water-resistant fabric. The power source is a small electronic patch that is rechargeable through induction, preventing electrical shock. This can be sterilized after each use.

ComfTech already carried out its first clinical trial and is awaiting approval of Italy's Ministry of Health and the Hospital Committee 1, which verifies compliance and reliability of new monitoring systems for babies.

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