Why do Hospitals Use Baby Tagging Systems (Also Known as Infant Security or Infant Protection Systems)

Across the NHS and healthcare systems worldwide, maternity units are designed to be open, welcoming environments for families. But alongside compassionate care comes a fundamental responsibility: keeping newborn babies safe.

This is why many hospitals use baby tagging systems - also known as infant security systems or infant protection systems  as part of their maternity safeguarding strategy.

While incidents of infant abduction are fairly uncommon, the potential impact is significant. As a result, healthcare providers increasingly adopt proactive measures to protect newborns, support staff, and strengthen governance.

What Is a Baby Tagging System?

A baby tagging system is a specialist clinical security solution that helps prevent the unauthorised removal of newborn babies from maternity wards.

The system typically involves:

• A small electronic tag placed on the baby shortly after birth
• Monitored maternity ward exits and access points
• Real-time alerts if a tagged baby approaches or crosses a boundary
• Audit trails for governance and incident review

These systems are widely used across NHS Trusts, private hospitals, and international healthcare settings.

Suggested internal link:
Learn more about how baby tagging works → XTAG Baby Tagging System.

1. To Protect Newborns From Rare but High-Impact Risks

Infant abduction incidents are uncommon in the UK, but NHS Trusts still plan for high-impact, low-frequency events, and not all abduction attempt are starnger-related, many abduction attempts are family-related which are more common.

A single incident can have:

• Lifelong consequences for families
• Major safeguarding implications
• Significant reputational impact
• Regulatory scrutiny

Baby tagging systems provide an additional layer of protection, ensuring that if a baby is moved inappropriately, staff are alerted immediately.

2. To Strengthen Safeguarding and Duty of Care

Hospitals have a legal and ethical duty to protect vulnerable patients - and newborn babies are among the most vulnerable.

Infant security systems support:

• Trust safeguarding frameworks
• Risk register mitigation
• Duty of Candour obligations
• Local maternity security policies

For leadership teams, these systems demonstrate a proactive safeguarding approach, rather than reactive incident management.

3. To Support NHS Governance and Compliance

While baby tagging systems are not mandated nationally, many hospitals adopt them to align with expectations from:

• CQC inspections
• Internal clinical governance reviews
• Trust-wide patient safety strategies

CQC inspections frequently examine how well organisations identify and mitigate risks - particularly in environments caring for vulnerable patients.

Having an infant protection system in place provides clear, auditable evidence of risk mitigation.

4. To Reduce Reliance on Manual Observation Alone

Historically, maternity security relied heavily on:

• Manual access monitoring
• Staff awareness
• Locked ward doors

However, modern maternity services are busier and more complex, often with:

• Multiple entrances and exits
• High patient turnover
• Rotating staff
• Open visiting policies

Baby tagging systems provide automated monitoring, reducing the burden on clinical teams while improving situational awareness.

5. To Provide Real-Time Alerts and Faster Response

One of the biggest benefits of infant protection systems is instant visibility.

If a tagged baby approaches an exit:

• Alerts can be triggered immediately
• Security teams can be notified
• Doors may automatically lock (depending on configuration)
• Events are logged for review

This enables a faster, more coordinated response compared to manual escalation pathways.

6. To Reassure Parents and Families

For many parents, simply knowing that security measures are in place offers reassurance during an already emotional time.

Hospitals often highlight infant security systems in:

• Maternity tours
• Parent information leaflets
• Ward signage

This transparency helps build trust and confidence in the safety of the maternity environment.

7. To Integrate With Modern Hospital Security Ecosystems

Today’s infant protection systems are rarely standalone solutions. Many integrate with wider hospital infrastructure, including:

• Access control systems
• Security monitoring platforms
• Audit and reporting tools

Some healthcare providers also use similar tagging technology in:

• Paediatric wards
• Dementia care environments
• Mental health settings

This creates consistency across safeguarding strategies.

What Hospitals Look for in a Baby Tagging System

When evaluating infant security systems, NHS decision-makers typically prioritise:

• Reliability and uptime
• Ease of use for midwives and maternity teams
• Low false alarm rates
• Integration with existing systems
• Long-term supplier support

Solutions like those from Xtag Medical are designed specifically for healthcare environments, focusing on clinical usability, dependable alerts, and strong aftercare support.

Are Baby Tagging Systems Becoming Standard Practice?

While not universally mandated, baby tagging systems are becoming increasingly common - particularly in:

• Larger maternity units
• High-birth-volume hospitals
• Urban Trusts with complex layouts
• Facilities modernising safeguarding infrastructure

For many hospitals, these systems are now viewed as a proportionate, preventative measure, rather than an optional extra.

Final Thoughts

Hospitals use baby tagging systems for a simple reason: to add an extra layer of protection around the most vulnerable patients in their care.

By combining:

• Strong clinical processes
• Trained staff
• Thoughtful ward design
• Supportive technology

Healthcare organisations can create maternity environments that are both safe and compassionate.

Whether referred to as baby tagging, infant security, or infant protection systems, the goal remains the same: ensuring every newborn remains safe from birth to discharge.