Positioning neonates on the Panda Warmers

I do not believe the warmer has a specification for the direction the baby should face as the radiant heat should be uniform across the entire bed surface, however, at our facility the babies are placed with their feet pointed toward the resusitation system to allow the nurses to assess the patients airway from the end of the bed and for easier ventilation. This is also the direction illustrated in the user manual. I would suggest you call GE clinical support for a firm answer on this, especially because this forum is more for technical related questions and not clinical questions.

From a technical perspective, the radiant heat is highest at the center and reduces fairly linearly as you approach the edges of the mattress. The ellipical dish is designed to produce very little heat beyond the mattress edge, so that the care-giver does not get hot. Hope that helps you decide positioning.