What to Look for in a Pediatric Scale

Are you looking for a scale that is specially made for weighing neonates and infants? If you’re searching, you probably already know that there are scales designed for pediatric use with much lower capacities than other scale types and that are more precise. In fact, top-tier pediatric scales are accurate to the gram. Capturing weight readings of a newborn is a standard measure of overall health. In this blog, Befour explores what to look for when choosing a pediatric scale for use in a hospital or clinic setting along with the features of one outstanding choice, the MX202 neonatal scale.

High Quality Features

First, it is important to choose a quality pediatric scale that demonstrates the repeatability of accurate weight readings for neonates and infants. The MX202 is specifically designed for daily and serial weighing of neonates in particular. Neonates are infants in their first 4 months of life. As such, weighing is a crucial component of their health supervision as they grow at a rapid pace and require significant monitoring. 

The MX202 offers a standard 1 gram accuracy and can capture weights as low as 20 grams. With a maximum weight capacity of 45 pounds, the range of an MX202 scale will accommodate all the needs within a pediatric setting.  The scale is lightweight but sturdy with its all-metal construction. It is also portable with carrying handles and a removable cradle made of acrylic material. When accompanied by Befour’s portable cart designed for neonatal scales, this scale is incredibly easy to transport. Additionally, these digital pediatric scales allow for readings in your preferred unit of measurement: grams, pounds/ounces, or kilograms.    

Unique Offerings & Accommodations

The MX202 scale provides a variety of features not found in other neonatal scales. It features MotionLock Technology, which is crucial for accurately determining the weight of active babies. Through a series of rapid, individual measurements, this technology allows for a precise weight reading even when the subject is in motion. Additionally, this scale offers an extended battery life with over 100,000 weight readings from a single set of batteries, so without the need for an AC adapter, this scale is truly portable and location of use is not limited to the proximity of a wall outlet.  There is also a Tare Deduction Feature for determining breast milk intake and diaper weighings, including urine output. 

Upgraded Features

A scale that is regularly updated and improved is also ideal. Befour recently made new upgrades to the MX202 so it now features more advanced elements and capabilities. As VP of Engineering, Mike Klessig, explains the positive reception of these upgrades: "Our MX202 scale is by far one of our most popular models and has been since we initially launched the design over 8 years ago. This year we went to market with an enhanced version, incorporating a few advanced features such as a longer battery life and wireless transmission of data." These features also include a convenient AC adapter port and instantaneous weight readings. 

Though the battery life is impressively long on the MX202, the addition of an AC adapter allows for another option for powering the unit, which can increase convenience in some settings. Bluetooth capability allows for seamless transmission of information for recording and tracking changes in weight readings as well as transferring data across departments. Instantaneous weight readings are now possible due to increasing the speed at which weight is “locked in” by the MotionLock Technology after the infant is placed on the scale. So, that means the scale is now faster at delivering weight readings when compared to other scales on the market. 

Designed With Premature Infants In Mind

Premature birth is of course cause for concern among pregnant patients and for hospital personnel. There needs to be a variety of means for treating patients who have birthed premature infants as well as means for caring for the premature infants themselves. Premature babies will first be cared for in a neonatal intensive care unit where they can be closely monitored. The need for analyzing weight gain is especially critical for premature infants. Frequent and reliable measurements are taken to assess progress. “Preterm infants who fail to gain sufficient weight are at a higher risk for delays and even impairments in cognitive ability and motor skills.” Valerie Maholmes, Ph.D. Chief, Pediatric Trauma and Critical Illness Branch, NICHD. A reliable scale with a tight accuracy is essential.  

Weight is one of the factors for determining a premature infant’s health and when they are ready to be taken home and out of the NICU is weight. A baby must weigh at least 4 pounds and have been steadily gaining weight, making the consistent weighing of the infant a critical factor in monitoring and determining a premature infant’s health status at all times. 

In this regard, the features of a scale like the MX202 are essential when working with premature infants in particular. These scales allow for incredibly precise pediatric measuring and breakdowns of weight that help to determine appropriate feedings and other necessary care. 

Turn To Befour For All Your Pediatric Scale Needs

If you are searching for a pediatric scale for your hospital or clinic setting, we hope you now understand a bit more about the value offered by the crucial features of the MX202. As Kariann Thon, Befour’s President, explains, "There are a lot of infant scales to choose from in the market, but our MX202 neonatal scale, with 1 gram accuracy, was specifically designed to meet the critical needs of weighing premature infants. An accurate and repeatable weight reading, of the tiniest patient, is essential." Scales should not be viewed as a “one type fits all” and a pediatric environment poses specific needs, as noted above. Befour’s MX202 neonatal scale not only meets but exceeds the requirements of the tiniest patients. With its proven design and enhanced features, the quality and value of the MX202 neonatal scale is unmatched. Connect with us here for all of your pediatric scale needs.