Top 10 Questions Midwives Ask About Infant Security - Answered

When it comes to keeping newborns safe, midwives are on the front line. As more hospitals adopt infant security systems, midwives naturally have questions about how these systems work, how they integrate into daily routines, and how they improve safety for newborns and staff.

At Xtag Medical, we’ve worked with over 65 NHS Trusts to deliver reliable, CQC-compliant infant security solutions. Below, we answer the top 10 questions midwives ask about infant security systems and baby tagging technology.

1. What is an infant security system?

An infant security system is a technology solution used in hospitals to prevent newborn abductions and ensure accurate mother-baby matching. It typically uses active RFID or UHF tags worn by the baby, which trigger alerts if a baby is taken near an exit without authorisation.

2. How does a baby tag work?

The Baby Tag is securely attached to the baby’s ankle using a hypoallergenic, Tamper-Proof Strap. It continuously communicates with sensors in the hospital, monitoring for signs of removal, tampering, or movement toward restricted areas.

3. Is the tag comfortable and safe for newborns?

Yes. Our baby tags are designed with newborn skin in mind - hypoallergenic, lightweight, and waterproof, so they can even be worn during bathing without discomfort or interruption in monitoring.

4. What happens if someone tries to remove the tag?

If a tag is tampered with, cut, or removed, the system instantly triggers a Tag Off or Tamper Alarm. Staff are notified via central software, and the Sounder Strobe can be configured to activate visual and audible alerts in key areas.

5. What alerts does the system provide?

The XTAG® Baby Tagging System provides automatic alerts for:

• ‍Exit alarms (if a baby is taken toward a secure exit)‍
• Tamper alarms (if the tag is interfered with)‍
• Tag off alarms (if the tag is removed)‍
• Lost signal alarms (if the tag signal is lost unexpectedly)‍
• Loitering alerts (if someone remains too long near a secure exit)

6. How do we know which baby belongs to which mother?

Mother-baby matching technology is rarely used in the UK, but in international hospitals, baby tags are often paired with a Mother Tag, ensuring babies are always matched with the correct parent - adding another layer of reassurance and reducing the risk of mismatched discharges.

7. Is it easy to use for midwives and staff?

Absolutely. The system features Touchscreen Client with a simple, intuitive interface, requiring minimal training. It’s designed to support daily workflows, not complicate them.

8. What if a baby needs to leave the ward for medical reasons?

The system includes a Managed Transfer feature. When a baby must leave a ward for treatment, staff can temporarily disable the alarm through secure authorisation - ensuring controlled movement without triggering alerts.

9. Will it interfere with other medical devices or hospital Wi-Fi?

No. Xtag Medical’s system uses a standalone Active UHF network, meaning it does not rely on the hospital’s Wi-Fi. This ensures no interference, better reliability, stronger security, and no added burden on IT infrastructure.

10. How quickly can it be installed and used?

Most installations are completed in a matter of weeks, with on-site training provided by our UK-based team of DBS-checked engineers. Once installed, midwives can begin using the system immediately with full support.

Looking to learn more?

Visit our Baby Tagging System page to discover how your hospital can implement the UK’s most trusted baby tagging solution.