Brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE)

What is a brief resolved unexplained event?

A brief resolved unexplained event, or ‘BRUE’, is a condition that affects children under 12 months old.

A BRUE can be a very frightening experience for parents. During a BRUE your baby may:

• change colour (pale, grey or blue)
• look like they stop breathing or breath differently
• become floppy or stiff
• become less responsive

Afterwards, they return to normal and seem fine again. These episodes can happen to about 1 in 200 babies.

Is there something wrong?

No, BRUE episodes can happen to otherwise healthy babies. A healthcare professional will have assessed your baby and will have decided that they are healthy and that no concerning cause for the event can be found.

Babies who are discharged from hospital after a thorough assessment are at very low risk of having another BRUE, or of having an underlying serious problem

What do I do after discharge?

You should continue care for your baby as you normally do.

In general it is important to ensure your baby keeps up to date with immunisations, attend their health checks, is not exposed to smoky environments and you maintain safe sleeping practice.

Advice for safe sleep for babies can be found here: The best sleeping position for your baby – The Lullaby Trust

What to do if it happens again?

If your baby becomes floppy, unresponsive or you are worried they are not breathing normally call 999 for an ambulance.

If your baby has another episode but recovers quickly you should still come to the Emergency Department. Having a second episode may mean that more tests need to be done in hospital.

Advice on sleeping and stopping smoking

It is important to have a safe sleeping environment for your baby and they should never be exposed to smoky environments.

Please see the links below or talk to your midwife, health visitor or GP for further information:

• How to reduce the risk of SIDS for your baby – The Lullaby Trust
• Safe sleeping : Healthier Together
• Help to stop smoking QUIT : SYB ICS

Though your baby is not likely to need it , it is a good idea for everyone who cares for an infant to learn CPR.

Find more advice on first aid and courses here:

• Learn first aid for babies and children (redcross.org.uk)
• Paediatric First Aid – CPR, Choking and More | St John Ambulance